WARNER BACKED IN
JUSTIN Langer has launched a strident defence of David Warner, saying despite his batting woes, he’s not seen a fitter cricketer in 30 years.
The coach says Warner and Glenn Maxwell can ignite Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign against South Africa on Saturday night, with Steve Smith holding the innings together.
Matthew Wade will be backed in as wicketkeeper and Josh Hazlewood looks like unseating Pat Cummins from a bowling attack likely to start with two quicks and two spinners and rely on the all-round talent of Marcus Stoinis and Mitchell Marsh.
Warner has faced just 14 balls for three runs since April, but Langer is buoyed by the 34-year-old’s physical preparation.
“To get as fit as he is, that takes focus and discipline and there’s some fire in his belly,” Langer said. “I really like that and I’ve applauded him on that. That excites me and I like the fact he’s coming back with Finchy … opening partnerships are important.
“Davey is a bit like Maxi at the moment – his energy is unbelievable and I’m really excited about where he’s at. He’s an important part of us winning this World Cup. No one in our group has had more IPL success … that experience in big tournaments is going to be crucial for us.”
While Australia’s squad is lacking match practice, Maxwell’s dynamic IPL has him in career-best form.
“(Maxwell) is like the fielding captain for us in terms of getting positions right out on the field,” said Langer. “He brings so much energy to the group. He’s obviously confident at the moment and he’s bringing great experience in terms of conditions.
“I said to him to have five days off after the IPL to just go and play golf or relax. After two days he was back throwing balls and catches to the other guys.”
Shane Warne was one great to leave Steve Smith out of his best XI for Australia after an IPL where one of the world’s best batsmen was scarcely used by his franchise coach, Ricky Ponting.
Although demoted from No.3 to accommodate the much-improved
Marsh, Smith will play a crucial role at No.5, where he can either mop up a batting collapse as he did against India in Wednesday night’s warm-up game, or help navigate Australia’s path against opposition spinners on the dusty decks of the UAE.
“He keeps saying, ‘Coach I’m batting well, I’m batting well.’ And I love when Steve Smith says that,” said Langer.
“He’s like Mr Fix It where he can potentially go in if we lose a couple of early wickets or because of the way he hits the ball all around the ground he can play at the death for us. He can play spin as well as anyone we’ve got in the team. So he’ll play a very, very important role as the glue of the batting order.”