With a valiant 66 against England in the opening innings of the second Ashes Test match at Lord’s, Australia opener David Warner made another significant step in securing his dream Test exit early in the upcoming year. He did this by scoring against England in the first innings of the match.
The native of Sydney made the declaration earlier this month that he would prefer to end his Test career in the match that takes place in his hometown against Pakistan. However, he was aware that he would need runs in England in order to ensure that he would still be in the team come January.
His performance on Wednesday was not only crucial to Australia’s cause as they look to take a 2-0 lead in the series, but it was also his finest return in England since August 2015 and only his second half century in the 11 Tests he has played in since then.
Warner believes that his batting form is improving and that he is headed in the right direction after scoring 43 runs in the final of the World Test Championship and 36 runs in the first Test.
“I’ve felt in total control the last six to eight months with where my game is,” he told the press.
“I’m going into the ball, and my feet are moving at the same time. I have put forth the effort necessary. I have put in a lot of hard effort in order to have that trigger movement, to access the ball, or to have the courage to come down into the line of the ball and attempt to throw off the bowlers’ line and lengths.
I have the impression that whatever I’m putting in the nets is actually coming out in the center. I’m happy about it, and I think that if I can keep getting myself in and keep that momentum going with my feet, a huge one may be right around the corner.”
The 88-ball innings at Lord’s guided Australia to a commanding 339 for five at the finish of play. This was accomplished despite Warner dealing with another of the many hand problems that have afflicted him over the past few years. The injuries have plagued Warner in recent years.
According to him, “It’s copped a battering the last two games and in the nets, so it’s little bit sore at the moment,” which he remarked.
“A little bit of a bump, but I think we’ll look into it after the game and see how we do,” the coach said after the injury was reported. It’s still fairly delicate at this point.”