AUS vs ENG: "How Do We Utilize That?"- David Warner Believes Tim David Has Given Selectors A Headache

Prior to his team’s opening match in the 2018 T20 World Cup, Australian opener David Warner acknowledged that the selectors had a difficult decision to make regarding Tim David. Australia’s batting order hasn’t been decided since players are still fighting for berths.

As the 26-year-old continues to impress, Tim David’s inclusion into the national team soon before the tournament has provided them a vital alternative in the middle order. 

David scored 42 runs off only 20 deliveries in the second T20I match against the West Indies on Friday (October 7), clearing the ropes three times. Prior to this, on his first tour with Australia, he had also scored a quick fifty against India.

Tim David Has Given Selectors A Headache: David Warner

His performances have put pressure on former captain Steven Smith, who is now being considered for omission from the starting XI despite having played a key role in their successful T20 World Cup campaign in the UAE last year. 

“Each individual has their roles – we’ve got Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell who are our finishers – (so) where does he fit in the line-up and what’s his role?” Warner said after the second T20I.

“Coming out and playing that role there when it was a hard wicket to start on really opens our eyes to ‘how do we utilize that?’  

“But even what he did for Mumbai (Indians, in the IPL), he got a couple of thirties or forties off eight or nine balls – it’s incredible. You don’t get these types of players every day. It’s going to be good for us moving forward and hopefully there’s a spot there as well, because the selectors have got a headache now.”  

David Warner Impressed By Tim David

Although Australia had recently lost two crucial wickets at that point in the innings, Warner was very impressed with David’s gutsy attitude. 

“Now he’s in our team and our set-up, it’s a godsend,” Warner noted.

“He’s an incredible player and he’s got some serious power. It boosts our middle order. With his height as well, and strength, it suits us that’s for sure.  

“You saw it there – when we lost myself and there’s two new batters in, ‘Maxi’ (Glenn Maxwell) got run out, and he came out to play like that – that’s fearless cricket.

That’s what we like about our brand at the moment. Everyone’s owning their own space, but when you execute your skill and what you practice, that’s what we want.”  

Before the World Cup, Australia will play three T20Is against England to finalise their lineup. Marcus Stoinis will also play after missing the last match due to injury. In Perth, the opening T20I is set to take place on Sunday. 

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