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With the 2023 ODI World Cup looming on the horizon, Australia finds itself grappling with a significant conundrum, and at the center of it is David Warner, their seasoned opening batter. Warner, who missed the majority of the three-match ODI series against India due to an injury sustained earlier in the year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023 , had just one outing in the 50-over format in 2023. In that appearance, he was slotted in at No. 4, where he managed to score 23 runs off 31 deliveries.
During the same series against India, Mitchell Marsh was elevated to the top of the batting order and responded with a stellar performance, earning him the Player of the Series accolade. His contributions of 81, 66 and 47 were pivotal in Australia clinching the series 2-1 in the subcontinent.
Tim Paine addresses speculation surrounding David Warner’s role
Now, Tim Paine, the former Australia captain, has disclosed that there have been speculations within the team management about the possibility of utilizing Warner as a number four batter in the upcoming global showpiece event, set to kick off on October 5 in India. In the previous ODI series against India earlier this year, Warner batted at number four while Travis Head partnered with Mitchell as the opening pair. Paine anticipates that a similar approach might be considered this time around as Australia prepares for the marquee tournament.
In an interview with Sen Cricket, Paine shared that he has heard discussions regarding Warner potentially occupying the fourth batting position during the World Cup.
“Now that’s something I have heard,” Paine said.
Paine also expressed his endorsement of the concept of Warner batting at No. 4, as he believes it would grant the likes of Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head the freedom to launch aggressive assaults at the top of the batting order. The 38-year-old views Warner as a vital anchor in the middle order, particularly given his adeptness in handling spin bowling.
“It’s going to be imperative to get off to really fast starts and right now, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are our most explosive players. I think Warner can come in at No. 4. He’s a good player of spin, he’s fast between the wickets, he’s also got power and can control the innings. So I like having him in the middle order in those conditions. And I have heard that from a few people, that it’s certainly been talked about,” the Hobart-born cricketer concluded.
Notably, Australia is scheduled to kickstart their World Cup campaign on October 8, facing India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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