In his own words, David Warner “hooked another one to Rooty” on day four of the third Test at Old Trafford.
But the comical irony of his dismissal didn’t stop the colourful Australian, who was pinch hitting at the top of the order, from not only embracing his villain status but potentially eyeing a permanent return to opening the batting.
With Australia needing to score rapidly to remain a chance of winning the Test, Warner was moved up, with his experiment in the middle order lasting all of one innings.
Surprisingly, the boundary-hitting Shane Watson was demoted to No.4, and experts Shane Warne and Michael Atherton suggested it should be how Australia line-up from here on in.
Warner, who averages 39 and has three hundreds opening, clearly struggled in the first innings coming in against spin.
Pushing Watson down to No.4 would put another right-hander in the middle to negate the influence of Graeme Swann.
However, opening is statistically Watson’s best position and moving him would be a major backflip from coach Darren Lehmann, who has said on numerous occasions that the allrounder will be backed to the hilt at the top.
Warner said before his return that he was looking forward to becoming the new Mike Hussey at No.6, but after making a quick-fire 41 on Sunday, the pugnacious left-hander reiterated his fondness for facing the new ball.
“I love opening the batting, that’s where I started my career,” he said.
“I’m just enjoying being back in the team. All my misdemeanours are behind me at the moment and I’m just happy to be playing cricket.”
Warner’s rivalry with Joe Root has only grown the past few days.
Punching Root in a Birmingham nightclub in June certainly hasn’t been forgotten by fans, with Warner egged on by a raucous Manchester crowd and the barmy army trumpeter playing the Rocky theme song.
Root sledged Warner when he came to the crease in the first innings, and then triumphantly celebrated his catch in the deep on Sunday by fist-pumping to the fans behind him.
Warner cautioned his nightclub nemesis that he has a “long memory.”
“Oh Joey… He said to me, ‘it’s been a long couple of months hasn’t it?’ And I turned around with a bit of a smile,” he said.
“I’ve got a long memory, so that’s alright.
“I hooked another one to Rooty. Of all the people in the field … it’s quite comical now. I can’t wait to read Twitter a bit later.”
Warner said he doesn’t mind being hated, but still enjoyed a break from being tormented in the morning session – claiming his beer-swilling critics were too hungover to sledge him.
“I’m not well liked at the moment,” he said.
“It’s not everyday you walk out on the field and you get booed. You’ve just got to embrace it.
“Come tomorrow when I’m out on the boundary and they’re full again I think I might cop it.”
JimmyB
Guest
P.s meant to say that Warner looks a good cricketer. Before all the hubbub, think he was maybe one of the players that England were wary of.
JimmyB
Guest
Warner took all of the pantomime villain stuff in his stride with good humour, I'd suggest he won the English crowd over with the fact that he can laugh at himself, unlike say Ponting who was and still is mortally offended that the English public didn't like him ( mainly due to the fact that he was so bloody good), although they certainly respected him. Maybe Warner can give Broad some tips for the return series.
Sandy
Guest
Couldn't agree more. Seriously can't believe the carry on...and on...and on. Enough already.
A Mans Not A Camel
Guest
Please, oh wise one, express your wisdom upon us all - please name 50 or more batsmen that can replace Warner in the side.
A Mans Not A Camel
Guest
Agreed Shane. Sick of the moral police carrying on about him now, grow up already! He stuffed up, he's had his punishment, he's back. Get over it! Those still going on about Warner - STFU already, we hear you, we know you'd prefer the Pope plays for Australia rather than a real every day bloke. We know you don't forgive people for their mistakes, we know there's no such thing as a second chance with you. We understand that in an ideal world, everyone would be like you. Unfortunately, this is Earth. As inhabitants of this Earth, we are imperfect human beings. Well, everyone except you that is. Until scientists can clone 11 perfect specimens in your image, we're just gonna have to deal with the fact that sometimes, people make mistakes, and sometimes, we have to forgive those mistakes. I know right? tuff concept!
Shane
Guest
Time to cut Warner some slack now.He took his punishment and has showed good character in this test. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Cav
Guest
They, the Australian Hierarchy had their chance with Warner. Weak as a fizzy drink. You must penalise these blokes for the long term benefits of the game, you only have to look at what the players in the football codes have done, they are bigger than the games and that's exactly what will happen in Cricket if not already. There are fifty or more young aspiring cricketers like Warner was just waiting for a chance. The selectors are not showing us or the players the leadership shown in past years more the pity.