Cowan delights at 'work in progress' with Warner

Updated December 24, 2012 12:53:53

Ed Cowan believes his partnership with swashbuckling left-hander David Warner at the top of the order is a work in progress which could turn out to be a long and fruitful one for Australia.

Cowan, who has opened in 11 Tests alongside Warner, said the two were still trying to understand each other's approach to the game better.

"We're learning to bat with each other and that's part of it," the left-hander told reporters on Sunday ahead of the second Test against Sri Lanka starting on Boxing Day.

"Just understanding when he's going, not to rein it in on my behalf, but when to feed him strike or to try and keep him away from strike if he's getting a little too excited."

Cowan, who has scored a century and five half-centuries in tests, said partnerships were key for openers and it was all about providing the team with solid starts.

"Cricket isn't about how many runs I get or how many runs he gets," he said.

"I know if I don't get any runs, (the media) are going to fire a few bullets or, if he doesn't get runs, you're going to fire bullets.

"But it's about partnerships. If he's 60 and I'm five and we've had a 65-run partnership, we're doing a fantastic job."

Left-handers Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer forged a very successful opening partnership in Tests which helped Australia dominate world cricket for over a decade.

The Warner-Cowan duo has also earned rich accolades in 2012 but Cowan, 30, thinks there was a lot of room for improvement.

"If you asked us what we thought, we'd probably say we're going OK," Cowan said.

"It feels as though there is lots of upside there. Hopefully if we both keep improving the way we are, then it can be a long-term thing."

Cowan feels he was a different player from Warner, who has his own theory of batting.

"He's a feel player," Cowan said. "I'm a thinking player and he's a feel player.

"You just let him go and bat. He's analytical in his own way but one of his strengths is, when he's playing well, he's very clear in how he plays well."

Reuters

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First posted December 24, 2012 08:12:41

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Warner not feeling the heat at top

Updated November 15, 2012 19:16:18

David Warner says he does not feel under any pressure at the pointy end of a struggling Australian top order despite a series of lean scores since his stunning hundred against India in Perth last summer.

Since blazing a hundred in a session against the hapless Indians in January on his way to a brilliant 180 that swept Australia to a series victory, Warner has struggled for form in the three-Test series against the West Indies and failed again with the bat in the first Test against South Africa.

In Brisbane, Australia slumped to 3-40 as its top order again looked brittle before Ed Cowan and Michael Clarke righted the ship.

Exciting opening batsman Warner's dismissal to Dale Steyn for just 4 added to his scores of 8, 28, 42, 22, 29, 17, 50 and 11 since that 180 as his Test average slipped below 40.

The 26-year-old has averaged just 23 since that groundbreaking hundred at the WACA.

"I don't think so at all," Warner said when asked if he felt under pressure heading into the second Test against South Africa next week.

"As long as we are winning games and we are on the way to becoming number one ... as long as we are winning games, that's all that counts.

"I'm feeling good - I'm nice and refreshed. I'm ready to go again.

"I've been sitting in the change room for a long time watching the other guys score a lot of runs and I'm ready to get back out there myself."

Warner said he was looking forward to proving himself against South Africa's world-class pace attack of the number one-ranked Test bowler in Steyn, number two Vernon Philander and number nine Morne Morkel, and vowed to continue his aggressive approach.

"I'll be hitting a lot of balls this week and I will prepare as well as I can prepare," Warner said at a promotion for Australia's Twenty20 clash with Sri Lanka at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Australia Day.

"Nothing changes for me - it's a simple game plan ... all guns blazing if I can."

AAP

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First posted November 15, 2012 13:45:51

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Warner hails inspirational Clarke

By Paul Newman

Updated November 23, 2012 09:40:37

Australian century-maker David Warner says captain Michael Clarke's incredible form with the bat is providing an inspiration for all members of the team.

Warner was the first of three Australian batsmen to reach triple figures on day one of the Adelaide Test against South Africa, when the hosts posted their second highest single-day Test total in history.

After a shaky start that saw Australia stumble to 3 for 55, Clarke's men finished the day at 5 for 482.

Look back on how the action unfolded.

Clarke remains unbeaten on 224, making him the first batsmen to post a score in excess of 200 four times in a calendar year.

It follows his 259 not out in the first Test at the Gabba.

Warner made 119 off just 112 balls, while Michael Hussey scored a second successive Test century before being bowled on the last ball of the day for 103.

Warner says Clarke continues to lead Australia by example and is flourishing as a great skipper.

"He's set a great precedent for anyone following in his footsteps as a captain and a leader," Warner told Grandstand.

"It was a phenomenal effort by him."

Clarke's latest double-ton came off 243 balls, including 39 fours and one six.

It continues an amazing year for the Australian captain which began with 329 not out against India at the SCG in January.

He went on to score 210 against India in Adelaide and is yet to be dismissed by the Proteas in this series.

Clarke says he is more excited by what the team has achieved rather than his own incredible batting efforts.

"It's nice to be making runs, don't get me wrong, but you don't really think about that to be honest," he told Grandstand.

"I see 482 on the board and I want to make some more runs tomorrow and do whatever we can to win this Test.

"It is only day one of the Test with four big days to go. We have to turn up tomorrow morning and be ready to win the Test."

Clarke says when he is scoring runs he just wants to cash in to make the most of his form.

"I'm as fit as I've ever been, that's for sure," he said.

"Physically and mentally I have done the work and I guess that is why I manage to make big scores or bat for long periods of time."

Deflecting praise from his own effort, Clarke applauded the courage of Warner and the consistency of Hussey.

Warner says he headed into this Test confident of doing well despite suggestions he was under pressure to hold his spot following a disappointing performance in Brisbane.

"There was a little bit of pressure on myself, a lot of reports in the papers trying to say there was a lot of pressure on me, but I never felt it," Warner said.

"The preparation I had before the Test was fantastic, I hit a lot of balls in the nets."

Warner's mum and dad were in the stands to watch him notch his third Test century, but the opener says there was someone else also on his mind.

"My pop is always watching over me and I always know he is there. I had faith in him to get me there today," he said.

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First posted November 22, 2012 19:48:43

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Warner braces for Pakistan spin challenge

Updated August 24, 2012 10:46:14

Dashing Australian opener David Warner says he and fellow batsmen are ready for Pakistan's spin challenge in their limited over series starting next week.

The 25-year-old left-hander, who has made an impact with his aggressive strokeplay at international level, is bracing for Pakistan's successful spin trio led by Saeed Ajmal and backed up by Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez.

Australia first faces Afghanistan in a tune-up one-day in Sharjah on Saturday before taking on Pakistan in three one-day and as many Twenty20 internationals on dry and spin-friendly pitches in the United Arab Emirates.

But Warner said the Australians have prepared well.

"We had a great camp in Darwin," Warner told reporters. "Some wickets there were turning. I think the boys definitely challenged themselves in that area and they got through pretty well."

In January this year Pakistan routed the then world's best Test team England 3-0 here, with Ajmal and left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman sharing 43 wickets between them but England hit back by taking the one-day series 4-1 and T20s 2-1.

Warner said facing Ajmal and Afridi will be a big challenge.

"I haven't faced them before in turning conditions. I have faced both in a Twenty20 game in England where the ball wasn't turning much.

"I have faced Afridi in Australia but not in turning conditions as yet so I am really looking forward to it.

"We knew that in this series we are going to face a lot of spin bowling. We are looking forward for the challenge and now we see that as a bonus," said Warner of the series in which the first one-day international will be in Sharjah on August 28.

The second match is scheduled for Abu Dhabi (August 31) and the third in Sharjah (September 3).

That will be followed by three Twenty20 matches in Dubai on September 5, 7 and 10.

Warner hoped the series will provide good preparation for the World Twenty20 to be held in Sri Lanka in September-October.

"It is disappointing we cannot play in Pakistan but we are two teams who like facing each other. I am looking forward for the challenge which can be great," said Warner, who promised no let-ups against minnows Afghanistan.

"We are playing for Australia which always takes teams seriously. Anytime we walk out there with the Australian cap on it is a thrill. We will treat it as another game for Australia."

Warner warned Afghanistan can be a surprise package.

"We know what Afghanistan is capable of over here. Everyone says that some of us struggle against spin bowling and we know that they might have some good spin bowlers as well.

"We haven't got to see much of their footage. We are expecting a team that is jumping out of the skin to play against Australia. They are a type of a team that can bring anything into the table and we are looking forward to that challenge."

AFP

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First posted August 24, 2012 10:46:14

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Warner, McKay lead Aussie rout

Updated June 22, 2012 09:34:05

David Warner scored 74 and Clint McKay took four wickets, as Australia began its limited overs tour of the British Isles with a 102-run thrashing of Leicestershire in a rain-marred match.

Left-handed opener Warner faced just 78 balls with three sixes and five fours before retiring, as Australia made 8 for 241cin an innings reduced by rain to 41 overs at Leicestershire.

Several other batsmen got starts but the next best score was David Hussey's 37, with Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, the pick of an otherwise modest Leicestershire attack, taking 3 for 39 in nine overs.

Warner opened the batting with Matthew Wade (32) with the pair putting on 69.

He admits the partnership is a work in progress but it will bear fruit with more time at the crease.

"It just shows us what obviously the true conditions of England are," Warner said.

"We always think it is going to disrupt us in our game, but as professional athletes we just go out there and get done what we have to do."

Australia will look for more members of their top order to 'go on' when it faces Ireland in a full one-day international in Belfast on Saturday.

But the tourists had more than enough runs on the board against Leicestershire.

The Midlands county, set a revised target of 239 in 36 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis method, collapsed to 136 all out inside 30 overs.

McKay took 4 for 31 in seven overs and all-rounder Shane Watson 2 for 14 in three overs.

Fast bowler James Pattinson chipped in with 2 for 27 in six overs, as Australia cruised to a crushing victory.

Warner says the inclement weather will hold Australia in good stead for later in the tour.

"Obviously me and Matt are very similar players," he said.

"We are both aggressive as a unit out there. We probably have to work on our ones (singles) a little bit more."

After the Ireland match, Australia plays county side Essex before facing England in a five-match one-day series starting at Lord's on June 29.

England is currently an unassailable 2-0 up against West Indies ahead of the third and final match of that one-day series in Leeds on Friday.

AFP

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First posted June 22, 2012 07:23:41

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Warner faces final fitness test

Updated March 06, 2012 09:01:01

Dynamic opener David Warner faces a last-minute fitness test before Australia seeks a quick kill in the second tri-series final against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.

Warner is in doubt for the second final in Adelaide after complaining of groin soreness following his century-making heroics in Brisbane on Sunday.

The left-hander cracked 163 from 157 balls but did not field in Australia's 15-run win over the Sri Lankans in the first final.

Warner will have a fitness test before the day-nighter, with vice-captain Shane Watson preparing for a possible return to the opening position.

Newcomer Peter Forrest appears likely to return to the starting line-up if Warner is ruled out.

"We all hope he (Warner) is up and firing tomorrow," Australia's David Hussey said.

"It was a fantastic innings and all the boys hope he can replicate that."

Hussey says the Australians are desperate to close out the finals series in consecutive matches.

"This is a chance to win a series - not all of us have actually won a series in Australia in one-day international cricket," he said.

"So it's very important we actually close out the series in a professional manner."

Australia's triumph in Brisbane was marred by late lapses with the ball.

After setting the Sri Lankans 322 to win, Australia had the visitors at its mercy at 6 for 144 in the 31st over.

But bad bowling combined with remarkable knocks from Nuwan Kulasekara (73 from 43 balls) and Upul Tharanga (60 from 67) took Sri Lanka to within 15 runs of victory.

Hussey, who took 4 for 43, says Australia's bowlers failed to deliver on their plans.

"The conditions were a bit greasy and it was very hard to stand up for the fast bowlers," he said.

"But if we can just execute our skills ... I think we will go a long way to winning the game.

"I thought we played three-quarters of the perfect game last night - and hopefully there is a perfect game just around the corner."

Hussey's haul was the second time he has taken four wickets in a one-day international.

"I wouldn't say I'm a spinner. If they hit a few pebbles, they might turn a little bit," he said.

"A couple of years, I was probably just classed as a batsman and a muck-around net bowler who bowled to the tailenders.

"Now I'm opening the bowling in T20 cricket and bowling key overs in one-day cricket, so I definitely take it a little bit more seriously now."

AAP

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First posted March 05, 2012 17:40:42

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Warner needs to keep head clear: Ponting

Updated February 18, 2012 16:37:53

Australia captain Ricky Ponting says opener David Warner needs to keep things simple if he wants to turn around his disappointing one-day international form.

While Warner is an established member of Australia's Twenty20 squad and has made a bright start to his Test career, the 25-year-old is yet to fully showcase his talents in 50-over cricket for his country.

In 14 ODIs Warner averages just 20.07 with a highest score of 74 and only two 50s.

His struggles in ODIs have continued this summer, scoring 71 runs in four innings of the triangular series at just 17.75.

But Ponting says just like another explosive left-handed opening batsman, former star Adam Gilchrist, Warner must not start thinking too much about his technique and should just back his natural game.

"He probably hasn't got the results that he'd want in one-day cricket in his relatively short career so far but the one thing players like David can't afford to do is second-guess themselves," he said.

"Gilly was exactly the same. They're hand-eye players and they've got to see the ball, hit the ball and not really think too much about it.

"Sometimes it's the stuff between your ears that gets a little bit clouded and that makes playing your natural game a little bit hard. I think that's probably what Dave's going through right at the moment."

Keeping Warner's mind clear was part of the reason the vice-captain was overlooked earlier this week for the skipper's job in favour of Ponting with Michael Clarke injured.

And coach Mickey Arthur says that was the right call.

"We brought Dave into the vice-captaincy position to learn to be part of our leadership group and to learn from Michael and I when we strategise our position," he said.

"In terms of taking guys on the field right now, he's not ready for that yet and he understands that."

AAP

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First posted February 18, 2012 16:37:53

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Warner leads Australia to commanding total

Updated March 04, 2012 23:02:13

Considered fortunate to keep his place in the side, David Warner now looks irreplaceable after his 163 guided Australia to 6 for 321 in the opening tri-series one-day finals clash with Sri Lanka at the Gabba on Sunday.

Warner had to wait until his 19th ODI to notch his maiden ton - and he made it count by hitting the third-highest ODI score in Australia.

He became the seventh Australian to break through the 150 barrier in one-dayers and he struck the sixth biggest 50-over score by an Australian - and highest ever at the Gabba.

However, the big-hitting opener would have been forgiven for breathing a sigh of relief after being named this weekend.

Someone had to make way for returning captain Michael Clarke on Sunday - and Warner would have been nervous after a modest series return of 195 at 24.37 ahead of the finals opener.

But Peter Forrest - the only Australian batsman to have hit a ton this series ahead of the Gabba clash - was the odd man out when the XI was confirmed.

Warner may not be dropped for some time after his 157-ball, three-and-a-half-hour knock which featured 13 fours and two sixes.

Warner's remarkable hand ended on the last ball of the innings when he was bowled by Dhammika Prasad (2 for 51).

Warner did not quite match his third Test fireworks in Perth against India where he reached triple figures in 69 balls - the equal fourth fastest century ever.

But Warner appeared to have no complaints when he brought up his century in 111 balls on Sunday with yet another four.

An ecstatic Warner jumped for joy and punched the air after he bottom edged Farveez Maharoof past keeper Kumar Sangakkara to the third-man boundary.

Warner had a willing partner in crime in Matthew Wade (64) who helped light up the gloomy Gabba conditions in a 136-run opening stand.

It seemed only something special was going to break their entertaining partnership - and Rangana Herath duly delivered.

Wade stood gobsmacked when Herath pulled off a spectacular one-handed diving catch on the long-on boundary, in front of a delirious pocket of Sri Lankan fans, off Nuwan Kulasekara.

Two brief rain delays came and went before wickets began falling.

Australia lost Shane Watson (21), Dan Christian (10) and David Hussey (1) before Clarke (37) and Mike Hussey (19 not out) helped re-start the batting fireworks.

AAP

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First posted March 04, 2012 18:33:39

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Warner doesn't think he is T20 captain yet

Updated January 19, 2012 16:45:01

David Warner may be flattered by the calls for him to take over Australia's Twenty20 captaincy but until it is official he remains one of Cameron White's staunchest supporters.

Warner's leadership qualities were lauded by coach Mickey Arthur in the wake of the Perth Test last week and with White struggling for form with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, many are tipping the 25-year-old to take over the reins for next month's T20 series against India.

But as far as Warner is concerned he will be playing under White's leadership in the opening T20 at Sydney's Olympic stadium on February 1 and that is fine by him.

"One day it might happen but for now Cameron White is the captain," Warner said.

"I am still going to be playing by his rules.

"He is a class player. We've seen many times with Cameron that he can come out and fire ... with Cameron's ability with the bat to clear the fence we are backing him 100 per cent."

If Warner is handed the captaincy it would complete a glorious summer for the left-hander, leading a national team onto the field in front of friends and family in his beloved western Sydney.

"I am just excited and overwhelmed that they are looking at me as a possibility for the future," Warner said of the captaincy talk before saying he expected up to 70,000 people to attend the opening T20 match in Sydney's Olympic Park.

"It's a massive achievement for people to say that but at the end of the day I just have to concentrate on my cricket."

AAP

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First posted January 18, 2012 20:59:36

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Whisk Warner back into Big Bash, says Gayle

Updated January 17, 2012 11:39:45

West Indies master blaster Chris Gayle has taken aim at Cricket Australia for preventing David Warner from continuing his batting pyrotechnics for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Australian opener Warner has been told to put his feet up after his third Test heroics against India instead of turning out in the Thunder's must-win BBL clash against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba tonight.

CA on Monday knocked back a second request from the Thunder for the swashbuckling star to be released for T20 action after Australia steamrolled the tourists inside three days in Perth.

Just four Test players - 12th man Nathan Lyon, little-used left-armer Mitchell Starc and out-of-form duo Brad Haddin and Shaun Marsh - have been allowed to play in the BBL this week.

Warner, who belted 180 at the WACA, and the rest of the Test squad are being rested to ensure they will be fresh for the fourth Test, starting on January 24 at Adelaide Oval.

Disappointed he has only had one chance to open with the Thunder captain in the Big Bash, Gayle said CA needed to review their workload management policy for batsmen.

"If you want the Big Bash to get even bigger and better you need those sort of guys," the former Windies skipper said.

"You can monitor the fast bowlers but the batters, if they are available, why not play them?

"That will actually bring more spice and more crowds to the game to watch them.

"David Warner could have actually played a few games that he didn't."

Instead, the Thunder's hopes of an unlikely finals berth will rest heavily on Gayle against the Heat at the Gabba as no other batsman has posted a score of note.

Both teams hold 2-4 records and require a big win and other results to go their way to make the top four.

The Heat will be without Test quick Ryan Harris themselves and aren't celebrating the absence of Warner as Gayle blasted an extraordinary 94 off 43 balls in his last T20 visit to the Gabba for Western Australia last season.

"We've got our plans that we've talked about but sometimes with guys like that it doesn't make a difference," Heat all-rounder Dan Christian said.

Brisbane have been boosted by the availability of both their New Zealand recruits with Brendon McCullum joining Daniel Vettori in the line-up.

McCullum will open with Matthew Hayden who remains unsure whether it will be his last match before retiring for the final time.

"I think he should definitely go around next season," Christian said. "He's been fantastic around the group on and off the field."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, twenty20, australia, qld, brisbane-4000, sydney-2000, nsw

First posted January 17, 2012 11:39:45

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Whirlwind Warner rips India to shreds

By Joel Zander

Updated January 14, 2012 13:40:00

David Warner remarkably hammered the fastest ever century by an opener as Australia embarrassed a demoralised India on the opening day of the third Test in Perth.

Warner's century off just 69 balls eclipsed Chris Gayle's 70-ball effort for the West Indies at the same ground, was the third-fastest by an Australian and also the equal fourth-fastest of all time.

Australia rocketed to 0 for 149 off only 23 overs at stumps, with Warner on 104 and opening partner Ed Cowan surviving a vigorous caught-behind appeal to be 40, after India managed only 161 after being sent in.

Warner had faced only 80 balls by the close, hammering 13 fours and three booming sixes including the final one off rookie Indian medium-pacer Vinay Kumar which sent him past triple figures.

Only Viv Richards (56 balls), Adam Gilchrist (57) and Jack Gregory (67) have scored a faster Test century in terms of balls.

Warner, who received treatment and was still ginger at stumps after being hit in the head by a rising Umesh Yadav delivery on 80, said Australia knew there would be a bit in the wicket early before fastening up.

"We've said this whole week, batting at the WACA, anything that goes through the infield just rolls away and goes to the boundary and you get value for your shots," he told Grandstand.

"I just knew if it was in my zone and I got my feet across to the ball, kept my balance and shape and I met the ball with purpose and intent, I was going to be on.

"I owe a lot of credit to (coach) Mickey Arthur and (batting coach) Justin Langer, who've worked extremely hard this week in making sure that my balance and my head's still when facing up and it's paid off."

Warner exchanged some heated words with Ishant Sharma during a drinks break and a triple-figure score beckoned when he duly battered the Indian paceman for his second six to move to 70 off just 50 balls.

"The six I hit off Ishant Sharma, I looked at Ed and was like far out, I can't believe I just played that," he joked.

"I knew I was on as soon as I hit a few cover drives off Zaheer.

"But you're never set on this kind of wicket... I just had to treat every ball with some respect but I just showed some intent."

Warner's effort overshadowed another stellar bowling performance from Australia, with India's batting line-up once again routed for another paltry score.

Struggling number six Virat Kohli earned a reprieve and top-scored with 44 while VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir each made 31, but no other Indian batsman made more than Sachin Tendulkar's 15 as Australia's decision to go in with four quicks was vindicated.

Ben Hilfenhaus (4 for 43) removed the top order as well as skipper MS Dhoni while Peter Siddle (3 for 42) decimated the middle order and the returning Ryan Harris (1 for 33) chipped in with the key scalp of Tendulkar.

Mitchell Starc (2 for 39), in for spinner Nathan Lyon, helped polish off the tail.

"It was a fantastic day of cricket, obviously topped off by Davey's hundred," Hilfenhaus told Grandstand.

"We bowled reasonably well for most of the day to set the game up and tomorrow's going to be crucial that we bat well and take the game away from them."

Hilfenhaus said the wicket actually played a little slower than what Australia was hoping.

"We knew we had to bowl our lengths on that sort of wicket and we got the rewards in the end," he said.

"I guess it just shows the depths in Australian cricket at the moment with the fast bowlers, no matter who's playing everyone knows their role and performs that role the best they can."

Cowan was lucky to be there at the close after being given a life in the third-last over of the day, with replays showing he gloved a Sharma delivery to Dhoni.

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First posted January 13, 2012 21:26:15

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Warner a future Test captain: Arthur

Updated January 16, 2012 19:02:51

Australia's two-match series of Twenty20 matches against India next month could be the start of David Warner's ascent to the Test captaincy.

The 25-year-old has blasted two centuries in his five-Test career including his breathtaking 180 off 159 deliveries in last week's third Test against India in Perth.

While the stocky opener is one of Twenty20's shining lights and has also emerged as a Test player of note, Australia's current 20-over skipper Cameron White may struggle to hold his place in the side for the games at Sydney's Olympic park on February 1 and at the MCG two days later.

White has a top score of 5 not out from six innings for the Melbourne Stars in this summer's Big Bash League.

Warner, in between Test commitments, smashed an unbeaten 102 for the Sydney Thunder in their clash with the Melbourne Stars at the MCG as the powerful left-hander showcased his big-hitting talents.

National coach Mickey Arthur is enormously impressed with Thunder captain Warner's leadership skills and thirst for hard work on the training track.

"Davey has leadership potential. He has the ability to lead any Australian team in any form of the game at some stage," Arthur said after Australia's victory in Perth on Sunday.

"Whether that's in the next couple of weeks or whether that's in a year or five years time I'm not sure.

"He has a very good cricket brain. He leads a lot by example.

"He trains the house down.

"The perceptions that everybody had of David Warner and the reality of David Warner the person are poles apart."

Warner, the working-class Sydney boy from a public-housing estate, was banned for one month from Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane in 2007.

The then 20-year-old had tested the patience of his employers with "repeated inappropriate treatment" of facilities which apparently included food fights with Mark Cosgrove and Aaron Finch, who were also suspended.

Arthur said he takes no credit for Warner's stunning innings in Perth, despite some intensive work in the nets on the opener's technique with batting coach Justin Langer.

"He's the guy who actually asked for more and more (work)," Arthur said.

AAP

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First posted January 16, 2012 17:45:37

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Warner feeling fine after dizzy spells

Updated January 18, 2012 12:29:51

Australian opener David Warner believes he should be fine to play in next week's fourth Test in Adelaide against India despite some worrying dizzy spells.

The explosive left-hander was hit in the head during his stunning 180 in Australia's first innings against the Indians in Perth last week and has suffered moments of grogginess in the past few days.

But the 25-year-old is confident he will be fine to line up at the Adelaide Oval when the fourth Test begins on Tuesday.

"I think I'm over it," Warner told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's a day-by-day thing. I've got to speak to Alex (Kountouris, physiotherapist) about how I'm feeling.

"At the moment, I feel quite fine."

Warner missed the Sydney Thunder's loss to the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League on Tuesday night due to the dizziness, meaning he only lined up once for the franchise this summer.

Despite barely playing in the domestic Twenty20 competition, Warner has emerged as a possible captain of Australia's T20 team with current skipper Cameron White struggling throughout the summer.

But Warner said he backed White to line up when the first Twenty20 international is played at Sydney's Olympic stadium in Sydney on February 1.

"Cameron's a world-class player. We've seen many times with Cameron that he can come out and fire," he said.

"With Cameron's ability to clear the fences with the bat, we're backing him 100 per cent."

AAP

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First posted January 18, 2012 12:29:51

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Warner, Marsh report mixed injury news

Updated December 15, 2011 20:12:07

Test batsman Shaun Marsh has set the record straight - he has yet to be ruled out of the Boxing Day Test and will be doing everything he can to face India in Melbourne.

However, man of the moment David Warner has added to Australia's already extensive injury concerns with an admission he still has some lingering stiffness in his back.

Fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Johnson head the more permanent casualty ward for Australia, but the likes of Marsh, Shane Watson, Ryan Harris and Trent Copeland are also fighting fitness complaints.

Marsh returned home from the South African tour due to a back injury and has been struggling to overcome the ailment since.

He was ruled out of the second Chairman's XI tour game against India starting on Monday next week, but feels he could be fit in time to play on December 26.

"I still think I'm a chance," he said on Thursday.

"I guess it's up to the selectors to decide what they want to do.

"I've got a lot of things I need to prove to them over the next week to be available for selection, but I'm definitely not going to rule it out.

"I'll try my hardest to be there. To play in a Boxing Day Test is something I've dreamed about.

"I've got to make sure my back's 100 per cent and I'm confident over the next few days I can get myself right."

Marsh, who performed strongly in Australia's tour of South Africa before damaging his back and has a Test average of 56.8, has started batting in the nets in a bid to prove his fitness.

The 28-year-old said his recovery had been a slow and frustrating process, and that he'll have to manage the injury throughout his career.

However, he feels surgery will not be necessary and that the disc swelling in his lower back is finally showing signs of improvement.

"I've had a few hits now and it's pulled up OK," he added.

"I had a good hit yesterday. I pulled up a little bit sore but it was definitely an improvement compared to my last hit.

"Ideally it'd be nice to play a few games leading up to Boxing Day - if I'm picked - but I can't help that. It's out of my hands."

If fit, Marsh will join next week's batting camp in Melbourne.

Warner, who scored his maiden Test century in last week's shock loss to New Zealand, will need to pass a fitness test on Friday to play for the Sydney Thunder on the weekend.

"I am in discomfort when I'm not moving," he said ahead of the Thunder's Big Bash League clash with the Melbourne Stars at the MCG.

"I've got to keep moving every five or 10 minutes, because if I'm in the one position ... I stiffen up.

"The more movement I get, the better (it is) and obviously that's a sign of getting better in general.

"I'll see the physio and then (on Friday) head down with the boys and I'll have a big hit-out."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, australia

First posted December 15, 2011 20:12:07

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Warner ton guides Thunder to victory

Updated December 18, 2011 07:18:52

David Warner stole the limelight in Shane Warne's Australian comeback on Saturday night, blasting an unbeaten 102 to guide Sydney Thunder to victory over the Melbourne Stars.

The 42-year-old Warne, who was playing his first game at the MCG since retiring from elite cricket in January, took 0 for 19 from his two overs in the Stars' opening game in the new Big Bash League.

Chasing 154 to win, the Thunder reached their target with six wickets and one over in hand thanks to Warner's brilliant knock.

James Faulkner took 2 for 20 for the Stars.

David Hussey top-scored with 52 off 27 balls in the Stars' innings of 7 for 153 while Doug Bollinger and Scott Coyte took two wickets each.

In reply, the Thunder lost West Indies import Chris Gayle for 4, but Warner smashed six fours and six sixes in his 51-ball display of power hitting despite being in doubt for the game with a back injury.

Warner blasted Warne for a six over long-on in his first over and another over the sightscreen in the master leg spinner's second over, prompting skipper Cameron White to give the local hero a rest.

The stocky left-hander said he was determined to treat Warne as just another bowler.

"If he's going to toss it up in my area, I'm going to try to take him down," Warner said.

"Twenty20 cricket for a spin bowler, it's not ideal. I'm just happy that we won."

Warner will play for the Chairman's XI in a three-day tour game against India in Canberra starting on Monday ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

Melbourne captain Cameron White said Warne was still the best leg spinner in the world.

"With six or seven left-handers in their line-up, it was always going to be difficult," White said.

"He bowled well actually. He didn't bowl a bad ball.

"He (Warner) just played well. All credit to David.

"He played fantastic tonight. He took the game away from us."

Test opener Warner reached his century in the 19th over and leapt in the air with delight.

Warne's British fiancee Liz Hurley tossed the coin with the captains before the match as part of the BBL's push to broaden its fan base.

Saturday's game drew a crowd of 23,496 after Stars officials had been hoping to eclipse the Australian Twenty20 domestic record of 43,125 in January 2010 when Victoria hosted Tasmania.

The Stars play Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on December 20 while the Thunder host Adelaide Strikers at the Olympic stadium three days later.

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, melbourne-3000, vic, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 17, 2011 22:31:52

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Warner a doubt for Big Bash opener

Updated December 16, 2011 07:53:08

Man of the moment David Warner faces a fitness test for a back injury before Sydney Thunder's T20 Big Bash League clash with Shane Warne's Melbourne Stars on Saturday.

The big-hitting opener is still being troubled by a back problem incurred while scoring the unbeaten 123, which nearly snatched victory for Australia in the second Test against New Zealand on Monday.

"I am in discomfort when I'm not moving," Warner said.

"I've got to keep moving every five or 10 minutes, because if I'm in the one position ... I stiffen up.

"The more movement I get the better (it is) and obviously that's a sign of getting better in general."

Warner's fitness will be tested on Friday ahead of the encounter at the MCG where he could come up against spin great Warne.

"I'll see the physio and then tomorrow head down with the boys and I'll have a big hit-out tomorrow," Warner said.

The opener is also slated to play for the Chairman's XI in the three-day tour match against India in Canberra from Monday ahead of the first Test at the MCG starting on Boxing Day.

He admits the short Twenty20 interim is not the best way for the Test squad to warm up.

"I don't think it's ideal preparation. For a Test player you want to try and bat for as much time as you can," Warner said.

"You've got a Big Bash there that you have to play. For me it's exciting, because I like playing Twenty20 cricket and I know my game can go back to that.

"But it is hard to transit from Test cricket to Twenty20 mode.

"It's up to the individual players and I'm sure all the guys won't have any trouble doing that."

Warner says he is quite surprised to hear Phil Hughes was withdrawing from the Big Bash League, but is confident his fellow opener made the right decision.

"For him to get better he feels he needs to go back to the drawing board," he said.

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, sydney-2000

First posted December 15, 2011 14:30:02

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Warner moves to cement Test spot

Updated November 25, 2011 17:35:14

David Warner all but confirmed a Test call-up with an impressive 65 in Australia A's four-day clash with New Zealand in Brisbane on Friday.

But not so convincing were Australia A's bowling attack.

Australia A was 2 for 98 at tea on day two at Allan Border Field after Warner's impressive 65 off 90 balls including 10 fours.

Opener Ed Cowan was 22 not out while New Zealand's Doug Bracewell had 2 for 24.

Teenager Nic Maddinson (5) was the other batsman dismissed in the middle session.

Warner sounded his intentions from the outset, stroking two fours in the first over of the innings.

In contrast, Australia A's bowlers copped a battering before New Zealand was finally dismissed for 423 on the stroke of lunch on Friday.

At least one speedster from the Australia A side is expected to be considered for next week's first Test.

But none put up their hand as the Black Caps belted 133 in the morning session.

Bracewell - who bowled New Zealand to its last Test win over Zimbabwe recently - was the standout with the bat.

Picking up where Brendon McCullum (146 off 115 balls) left off on Thursday, Bracewell thrashed nine four and four sixes to be 73 not out off 79 balls.

James Pattinson (4 for 96 off 19 overs) was the best on paper while left-arm quick Mitchell Starc claimed 3 for 88 off 17.

Sheffield Shield's form bowler Ben Cutting (1 for 89 off 19) was on the receiving end of some brutal Bracewell treatment - including consecutive sixes.

An unlucky Ben Hilfenhaus finished with 1 for 86 off 18.

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, albion-4010, qld, australia

First posted November 25, 2011 16:45:37

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Hughes, Warner star for Australia A

Posted July 9, 2011 19:04:00

Phillip Hughes and David Warner starred for Australia A in a two-run win in its one-day match against South Africa A in Harare.

The pair, left out of Australia's one-day squad for next month's tour of Sri Lanka, combined for a 206-run opening partnership as Australia A posted 6 for 293 from its 50 overs.

South Africa A was then dismissed for 291 in reply, with Mitch Marsh taking 4 for 56.

Hughes, who could replace Simon Katich as Test opener, put in a man-of-the-match performance smashing 137 from as many balls.

Warner also contributed to the early attacking, hitting 120 from 137.

Australia A plays a two-day tour match starting on Monday, before two four-day games against Zimbabwe to finish the tour.

- AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia, south-africa, zimbabwe

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