AUS vs NZ 2018: Still No Rest for Australian All-Format Opener David Warner

Australia opener David Warner, who has missed only five out of the last 61 games played since their Lankan Test tour of 2016, still does not find any room for rest, as he leads the men in yellow in the upcoming Trans-Tasman T20 Triangular series scheduled to commence from February 3.

Warner’s workload is even greater considering he had captained the Sunrisers Hyderabad during the last two seasons of the IPL, which essentially means the explosive southpaw has been playing non-stop cricket for the past two years.

The New South Welshmen is the only member of the Australian squad in the Triangular series who would take part in the challenging South African Test series later in February. Due to a tight schedule, the likes of Steven Smith, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have been rested before the Test series.

“It was a mixture of thoughts and opinions and pros and cons of me staying (on for the T20s). Given the nature of how big our summer has been and Smithy being captain, we’ve probably felt he probably needed that rest as well. Before a big series in South Africa, it allows the other guys the opportunity to freshen up and play well. Then I’ll get my (break) at the back end where we’ve got a tour game in South Africa,” elucidated David Warner according to cricket.co.au.

“I don’t find it difficult at all to transform T20 (form) into the Tests. When I’ve had a bit of a break, it allows me enough time to prepare well for South Africa. It’s a great opportunity to lead a younger team. Having experienced players be here with the team as well – you need some form of experience,” further added the Aussie.

The only seniors in a relatively inexperienced Australian squad are Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell. The onus on the stand-in skipper Warner is even greater with Finch ruled out of the series opener due to injury.

“It’s going to be tough and challenging when you play all three forms, but you’re always … giving 100 per cent. With some new fresh faces with the guys who are in form and been selected to be here, it’s exciting. I can’t be any happier with the way we’ve prepared,” concluded David Warner.

Australian squad for Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series:

David Warner (c), Aaron Finch (vc), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

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