Centurion David Warner says a mixed and calculated hard-at-it method within the first 10 overs is the important thing to his terribly profitable opening-wicket alliance with Travis Head in ODIs as Australia celebrated their newest hammering of South Africa.
Warner and Head now common a Bradman-esque 100.55 as a gap pair after bludgeoning South Africa’s bowlers for a 109-run union to arrange Australia’s complete 123-run win within the second ODI at Bloemfontein on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST), securing a 2-0 sequence lead.
To put these numbers into context, Warner and longtime companion Aaron Finch averaged 47.94 as a gap pair, whereas Australia’s most prolific opening duo, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden, averaged 47.44.
Warner and Head’s output collectively just about doubles that of iconic West Indian duo Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes (52.55), and India’s legendary Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly (49.32).
“He (Head) had a bit of a crack at me for the last game, getting out on zero,” Warner laughed after bouncing again with a superb knock of 106.
“It killed our partnership average, he said.
“We know each other’s game plan very well … we’re trying to put pressure back on the bowlers.
“We saw the lack of intent from South Africa (1-25 after 10 overs) the game before.
“Our goal is always to try to target the first 10 and get off to a good start.
“From there, try to build a partnership outside of the powerplay.”
Warner turned the second Australian after Ricky Ponting to notch 20 ODI tons as he and in-form Marnus Labuschagne, with a career-best 124, added 151 for the second wicket to underpin Australia’s 8-392, their third-highest ODI complete.
Labuschagne, named participant of the match for the second time in a row following his matchwinning 80no within the first match, has flourished since changing Cameron Green as a concussion substitute within the opening sport and is making a late push to be included in Australia’s World Cup squad.
“Marnus played extremely well,” Warner mentioned.
“He’s in a good spot – the game’s about taking opportunities.
“He’s batting very, very well.”
In their reply, the Proteas crunched 81 off the primary 9 overs however couldn’t maintain the new tempo required and had been bowled out for 269.
Four South Africans – David Miller (49), Heinrich Klaasen (49), captain Temba Bavuma (46) and Quinton de Kock (45) – settled in however none went on to submit the massive ton that the large chase demanded.
Legspinner Adam Zampa (4-48) and recalled seamer Nathan Ellis (2-32) led the vacationers’ cost with the ball, nicely supported by Sean Abbott (2-50) and debutant Aaron Hardie (2-62).
Australia can sew up the five-match sequence with a win at Potchefstroom on Tuesday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
