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Cricket sensation David Warner returns to the scene of arguably his most jaw-dropping innings, Bellerive Oval, to make his expected one-day debut for Australia against South Africa on Sunday.
The game was basically a sell-out before Warner’s inclusion.
But the drawcard’s appearance means tickets will now be cricket’s equivalent to a prize entry to a chocolate factory, especially for those left gasping when the swashbuckling Sydney lad blazed 97 off 54 balls here in a one-day game for NSW in December.
Warner said then he hoped news of his innings travelled fast.
He was signed to the Indian Premier League the next week and his story started being told far and wide.
Warner will replace Michael Clarke in the Australian squad for Sunday’s one-day international.
Clarke has been ruled out of the remainder of the South African series due to his injured thumb needing more rest after Friday night’s series-opening loss to the Proteas.
It’s unfeasible that Warner will carry drinks – there would be a riot among the 16,000 fans at Bellerive, many of whom have been demanding his inclusion in the Australian side.
The 22-year-old is yet to play a first-class match for NSW.
Australian chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch backed Warner, saying he hoped the left-hander would use the opportunity to secure a spot in the one-day team.
“This is obviously very disappointing for Michael and his presence will be sorely missed,” Hilditch said.
“However it presents an exciting opportunity for David Warner to follow his spectacular Twenty20 debut in the 50-over format for Australia.”
But surely Warner won’t overshadow the return to Bellerive of Tasmania’s favourite son, skipper Ricky Ponting, who has 208 runs in six ODIs at the oval.
Offspinner Nathan Hauritz is expected to get a run in Jason Krejza’s adopted hometown, after the successful use of spin at Bellerive this summer.
Another local favourite, paceman Ben Hilfenhaus should force his way onto the pitch as well.
South African coach Mickey Arthur on Saturday turned the screws on Warner, saying his inexperience and the weight of expectation made him susceptible to mental pressure.
“I think he seems to be weighted down with expectation, all I’ve seen on tele for the last week is Warner,” Arthur told reporters.
“Really, to be totally honest it’s all on the back of one innings, at international level anyway.
“So he’s got to be feeling the pressure.
“He’s got to be under pressure when he comes in … yeah, we’ll probably look to exploit that a little bit and keep building pressure on him so perhaps he does lose his head.”
Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes, David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Shaun Tait, Cameron White, David Warner (12th man to be named).
South Africa (from): Johan Botha (capt), Hashim Amla, Mark Boucher, Jean-Paul Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Makhaya Ntini, Wayne Parnell, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Vaughn van Jaarsveld.
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