Warner’s gamble of going with ‘youngster’ pays off vs Delhi
Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are on a roll once again and looks set to feature in the business end of the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season as well.in Hyderabad on Wednesday, their victory pushing the David Warmer-led side to second in the standings.
Skipper Warner was quick to praise the all-round performance of his side, revealing a little, but important, call he took in the match against the Zaheer Khanled Daredevils, a side known for its pace attack.
“It (the call) was about tossing the ball to the youngster playing the first game or go to Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), our experienced paceman,” revealed Warner.
Warner gave the “youngster”, Mohammed Siraj, the ball and the pacer from Hyderabad vindicated the faith by capturing two Daredevils openers -- Sanju Samson and Sam Billings.
The Delhi chase stuttered and despite a 50 from Shreyas Iyer and good knocks from Angelo Mathews and Karun Nair, they fell short. “We threw the ball to the youngster (at the start of the innings) and he came out on top,” added Warner.
“To come out and play the way he played is amazing. And Bhuvi, (this season’s top wickettaker at the moment), was worldclass once again. Credit (for the win goes) to the fast bowlers.”
Warner praised Kane Williamson (89) and Shikhar Dhawan (70) for their 136-run stand for the second wicket which laid the foundation for SRH’s total of 191 after they opted to bat.
“It was an outstanding performance from the guys. Kane, first game for him this year, the way he and Shikhar played, laid an outstanding platform for us,” said Warner.
“We galvanise well together, we know what to expect. Fantastic performance from the guys with the bat and then following it up with the ball as well.”
There is a small injury worry for Warner though the Australia brushed it aside in his trademark fashion.
South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, out with an injury since November last year, has been named in the ‘A’ squad that will play three fourday games during their upcoming tour of England.
The Proteas will play a fourmatch Test series against England, which starts on July 6 at Lord’s, while the ‘A’ squad will play games against Hampshire, Sussex and England Lions. The 33-year-old has however been left out of South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad.
“The shoulder rehabilitation has been good. It feels stronger every week,” Steyn had told Supersport before being named in the squad. “I want to play cricket for South Africa. I am nearly ready.”
Steyn had injured his right shoulder while bowling in the 1st Test at Perth, which South Africa won by 177 runs. He had joined the squad after a long injury layoff and has not played