Warner shines as Australia flex muscle with dominant warm-up triumph

David Warner 

Impressive performances from David Warner, Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa ensured a short-handed Australia cruised past Namibia.

Australia have issued a warning to opposition teams at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a clinical seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their opening warm-up fixture in Trinidad on Tuesday.

Despite having a host of stars that have failed to arrive in the Caribbean as yet and being forced to use a group of their coaches in the field as substitute fielders, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions looked in good touch as they chased down Namibia’s total of 119/9 in dominant fashion with 10 overs remaining with a quick-fire half-century from David Warner (54*).

Warner smashed six fours and a trio of massive sixes at the Port of Spain venue, facing just 21 deliveries in an excellent sign for the Aussies after the left-hander struggled for consistency and battled injury during the recent IPL.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood was impressed with what he saw from Warner and expects the veteran to contribute strongly during next month’s event.

Hazlewood (2/5) set the tone with a superb opening spell that netted three maidens, while first-choice spinner Adam Zampa (3/25) bowled well yet again as Namibia only snuck past 100 courtesy of some decent late hitting from Zane Green (38).

Australia openers Mitchell Marsh and Warner had 39 on the board inside three overs in reply and the loss of Marsh for 18 and stand-in No.3 Josh Inglis (5) allowed Tim David (23) to arrive at the crease as the Aussies kept the runs flowing by scoring boundaries at ease.

David fell in the ninth over to Bernard Scholtz (2/16), but Matthew Wade (12*) and Warner kept the momentum going as Australia claimed the victory with ease.

Earlier in the day, the warm-up fixture between the USA and Bangladesh in Dallas was cancelled due to rain.