Six-ton Warner sees Australia past New Zealand to clinch series

Australia’s batsman David Warner celebrates his 100-runs during the second game of the One Day International Cricket series between Australia and New Zealand in Canberra on 6 December 2016 - AFP

Reuters: Dave Warner smashed a sixth one-day international century of the year to drive Australia to a convincing 116-run victory over New Zealand as the hosts wrapped up the series with a match to spare in Canberra on Tuesday.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss under leaden skies in the Australian capital and made the decision to bowl on a Manuka Oval track where batting first has been an all but sure-fire path to victory.

Australia duly piled on an imposing 378 for five with the Blacks Caps only able to muster up 262 all out in 47.2 overs in reply.

Warner hit 119 off 115 balls with 14 fours and one six, combining with his captain Steve Smith, whose 164 went a long way to winning the series opener in Sydney on Sunday, in a second-wicket partnership of 145.

Smith made 72, Travis Head 57 and Mitchell Marsh 76 as Australia plundered 126 from the last 10 overs.

“It was a fantastic wicket, it always is down here at Manuka, and we know that if you keep wickets in hand you can take 100-150 runs off the last 15,” Warner said.

Warner’s two centuries were among the few highlights for Australia in their 5-0 humiliation in South Africa in October and six in one year, with the third match of the series in Melbourne to come, is unprecedented for an Australian.

Only Indians Sachin Tendulkar (nine in 1998) and Sourav Ganguly (seven in 2000) have hit more centuries in one year.

“It’s the format that I perhaps thought wasn’t my greatest but this year’s been fantastic and I’ve got to keep going as well as I can,” Warner added.

The opener secured his 10th one-day century with a scrambled single and it took a brilliant catch from Williamson to dismiss him after 2 1/2 hours at the crease, the Black Caps skipper getting down to take a full-powered shot inches above the grass.

Williamson top-scored for the visitors with 84 and put on 125 for the third wicket with Jimmy Neesham (74) but the writing was on the wall once they had departed.

Australian quick Pat Cummins, playing in his first international series for a year, took 4-41.

The Australians, assured of retaining their number one ranking in the 50-over game, reclaimed the Chappell-Hadlee trophy which New Zealand had won on home soil in February.

Michael Hussey may coach Australia cricket team for T20 series against Sri Lanka

Michael Hussey is on the verge of becoming the stand-in coach for Australia during the Twenty20 international series against Sri Lanka in February 2017.

Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that it was looking for a caretaker coach for the series against Sri Lanka and Hussey seems to be the frontrunner at the moment.

The 41-year old, also known as ‘Mr Cricket’ among cricket enthusiasts, announced his retirement from all forms of cricket last season after winning KFC Big Bash League title with the Sydney Thunder. He is currently acting as the director of cricket for the team. In his illustrious international career, Hussey represented his nation in 38 Twenty20 Internationals and boasts an average of 37.94.

Australia are slated to play three Twenty20 Internationals against Sri Lanka in February 2017. The first match will be on 17 February at the MCG, followed by a match on 19 February at the new Kardinia Park stadium in Geelong. The final match will be on 22 February at the Adelaide Oval.

Earlier in the year, Hussey ruled out the possibility of taking a full-time coaching job, but he was open to pursue smaller roles.

Talking to Cricket Australia, he said, “I’m interested in it (coaching), but I’m not sure I’m keen to be in it in a full-time capacity. If you’re with an international team you’re pretty much on the road for 10 months a year and that’s certainly one of the reasons why I retired.”

“It’s certainly not something that I’m looking to get back into on a full-time basis. Perhaps down in the future and certainly coming in as a consultant type and helping out for a few weeks here or there, is something that’s really interesting.”

The other big names who are being considered for the job are Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie, former skipper Ricky Ponting and Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne. (source: hindustantimes)