Former Australia skipper Tim Paine stated that he has heard rumours of the team management trying out David Warner at number four in the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is slated to begin on October 5 in India. In the ODI series against the Men in Blue earlier this year, Warner batted at number four while the team preferred Travis Head to open alongside Mitchell Marsh. Paine expects something similar to happen this time around as Australia are gearing up for the mega tournament.
In 16 ODI games for Australia, David Warner has scored seven half-centuries. He is a southpaw. Even so, it’s rare that the team’s administration is thinking about moving him, but Paine explained why. He added that the club prefers Marsh and Head to open the innings because they want to get things going quickly. He said he completely understands and supports the choice.
As reported by India Today, Paine remarked, “Now that’s something I have heard,” regarding David Warner batting in position four.
“It will be crucial to get out to really fast starts, and right now, our most explosive players are Travis Head and Mitch Marsh. Warner might rank No. 4 in my opinion. He can control the innings, plays decent spin, is quick between the wickets, and has power. In those circumstances, I like having him in the middle of the order. And I have heard that from a couple people, so it has undoubtedly been discussed,” Paine said.
Along with Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green, the former cricketer thinks the side should play two pacers in the 2019 ODI World Cup. He said that because the squad doesn’t require a second pacer, Marnus Labuschagne can stay somewhere else.
“I can see us playing two quicks with Cam Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell all playing,” Paine continued. A lot of information will be revealed when Australia plays South Africa in the upcoming three-match series.
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