Powerful hitter David Warner has been a constant threat to Pakistan’s bowlers on this tour, but it has been in white-ball cricket only.
A half-century in the Twenty20 clash in Dubai on October 5 followed by 43, 29 and 56 in the one-day series have left the opener in top form ahead of the two-Test series which starts in Dubai on Wednesday.
There is one snag though. Or possibly two.
Firstly, Test cricket’s No.5-ranked batsman strained a groin muscle on October 12 in the one-day game against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi and has been rested from this week’s four-day match against Pakistan A.
The NSW hard man has been keen to prove his fitness and had a net session on Friday in between stints of walking laps with the temperature in the high 30s at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
And secondly while Warner appears to be striding purposefully towards playing in the Dubai Test, the left-hander’s red-hot form has come without any red-ball cricket.
Australia’s captain Michael Clarke has warned his batting lineup their ability to counter Pakistan’s spin and reverse swing will be crucial in the Test series.
The team’s batting coach Michael Di Venuto says Warner’s recent run-scoring feats mean he’ll be able to play his usual attacking role in the first Test despite not having any match experience in red-ball conditions on this tour.
“I don’t think it makes too much difference with Davey at the moment the type of cricket he’s playing,” Di Venuto told AAP.
“He’s very consistent and he has been over a period of time in all forms.
“He’s really confident at the moment. He’s playing terrific cricket.
“He seems to be walking around the oval pretty well here in the last couple of days. I’m sure he’ll be fine come game day.
“It’s hard to keep the Bull down. He’s just itching to get back out there.”
jameswm
Guest
I didn't know he was especially good against spin. We'll find out soon I guess.
Vibhor
Roar Rookie
I still feel he should be persisted with, he is a genuine match winner.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
NCN now has the best record in the tournament (13 wickets at 8) with Paris second (13 wickets at 12.8). Hazlewood is starting to lag behind... (12 at 20).
Don Freo
Guest
Paris is not bulky...but he is 3 times as bulky as Stick Man Reid was. It'd be great if he becomes as good as Reid.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
NCN's second spell was as good as I've seen from any bowler this season, including Hazlewood's in the first Matador match. I think you're right, they should both be there. Paris is obviously up there too, but I'd like to see him play all of the Shield season. The Warriors are really showing how important great bowlers are in 50 over matches.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
I know mate I'm just pulling your leg. But be wary of making statements like: "You obviously didn’t see X" on a cricket forum! If we spend some of our spare time talking cricket, chances are we'll keep up to date with it too haha.
Craig Watson
Guest
I told you I only caught the highlights! No need to get personal.
Craig Watson
Guest
Being a Perth native you must be pleased with the formidable form of NCN? Should make the squad for the South African series... if selectors are rewarding form. Josh Hazlewood should join him. What a prospect young Joel Paris is. Has a similar frame to Bruce Reid... hope he doesn't suffer the same fate.
Tom from Perth
Guest
I saw all of them actually. One good innings doesn't make a player good at playing spin. Especially in light of the fact that he played so much of his innings against fast bowling that Boof complained about it and it caused slow over rates, and consequently the match had to be extended. Of course, this will all be 'obvious' to you because you so closely examined the match!
Craig Watson
Guest
You bet he does Tom . You obviously didn't see highlights of his century against Pakistan A. He used his feet beautifully against the spinners. Warner...and Maxie, both prefer the risky sweep and reverse sweep against spin. So I would say categorically that Doolan is a superior player of spin bowling.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Does Doolan play spin well? Surely he's not better against spin than Warner and Maxwell.
Craig Watson
Guest
Australia will face possibly their two most vulnerable forms of bowling... spin and reverse swing... in this series. Are they up to it? Smith, Clarke and Doolan play spin well, several others moderately well, but a good part of the team not very well at all. Sub-continental players virtually exit the cradle bowling spin, so the "baggy greens' will have their work cut out. Boof should tell all players to be aggressive against their spinners and not lay back in the crease and let them dominate. Enough said about our dislike for the swinging ball... especially reverse swing. All is not lost though as several of the Aussie quicks are also fine exponents of the quirky art.
Craig Watson
Guest
Same could be said for most of the squad not just Warner. Apart from Siddle and Rogers who both played off season English county cricket, the Pakistan A match was their first taste of red ball cricket in months (correct me if wrong). If so Australia is going into a Test series fairly under done.