Centurion David Warner says a combined and calculated hard-at-it approach in the first 10 overs is the key to his extraordinarily successful opening-wicket alliance with Travis Head in ODIs as Australia celebrated their latest hammering of South Africa.
Warner and Head now average a Bradman-esque 100.55 as an opening pair after bludgeoning South Africa’s bowlers for a 109-run union to set up Australia’s comprehensive 123-run win in the second ODI at Bloemfontein on Saturday (Sunday morning AEST), securing a 2-0 series lead.
To put those numbers into context, Warner and longtime partner Aaron Finch averaged 47.94 as an opening pair, while Australia’s most prolific opening duo, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden, averaged 47.44.
Warner and Head’s output together virtually 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 back with a brilliant knock of 106.
“It killed our partnership average, he said.
David Warner celebrates his century. (Photo by Charle Lombard/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
“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 became 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 total.
Labuschagne, named player of the match for the second time in a row following his match-winning 80 not out in the first match, has flourished since replacing Cameron Green as a concussion substitute in the opening game and is making a late push to be included in Australia’s World Cup squad.
“Marnus played extremely well,” Warner said. “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 first nine overs but couldn’t sustain the hot pace required and were bowled out for 269.
Four South Africans – David Miller (49), Heinrich Klaasen (49), captain Temba Bavuma (46) and Quinton de Kock (45) – settled in but none went on to post the big ton that the huge chase demanded.
Legspinner Adam Zampa (4-48) and recalled seamer Nathan Ellis (2-32) led the tourists’ charge with the ball, well supported by Sean Abbott (2-50) and debutant Aaron Hardie (2-62).
Australia can sew up the five-match series with a win at Potchefstroom on Tuesday.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Lucky the World Cup isn't in England this time then...
JohnB
Roar Rookie
More in the catching positions in red ball cricket also. Make a mistake/get a good ball early in white ball cricket and there's a better chance than in red ball cricket that it flies through a vacant spot in the slips for 4.
Gilberto
Roar Rookie
He averages 24 in England against England. Yes he's top notch against Scotland & Bangladesh.
13th Man
Roar Rookie
They seem to want to go all rounder heavy and bat deep which is why Green and Stoinis are seemingly preferred. This is going to be a very high scoring World Cup - if Marsh is to bat at 3, which he should, it feels a bit odd having Marnus at 5, I don’t think both fit in the same team.
Dougs
Roar Rookie
Pajama is a bit like covfefe. Not a real word.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Hardie hasn't played...apart from the last 5 or 6 balls the other day. What are you looking at that makes you say "he doesn't look the part". The fact he looked dirty when Marnus got the gig to replace Green? How he slices oranges?
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Actually, Marnus has batted better than ever with an excellent scoring rate. Not sure the “either Smith or Marnus” equation is justified, especially in India. Might be considering Marnus ahead of Stoinis or even Green, who’s looked out of sorts lately.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Harsh. Marnus played as well as ever and better than Smith most games. Hardie doesn’t look the part yet. Maybe in a year or two.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
No need to answer given this is a cricket site, but you’re comment about Biden is plain silly.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Whoops!
Tom
Warner averages 46.5 in England and almost 52 in India batting in ODI's...
Gilberto
Roar Rookie
Warner always had a good record in Australia and South Africa, both red ball and white ball. However cross the equator and he's a mug in either format. He'll probably score more centuries in SA, then come the World Cup spinner on 1st over, he won't make 10.
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Davey is a great guy and very competitive. Let him play pajama cricket, but he is lost in the longer format. Like Biden, the longer he is exposed the weaker he is.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Brush up.
jammel
Roar Rookie
This is true, 13th Man!
jammel
Roar Rookie
Yeah Marnus is highly motivated rn for sure. He looks in good touch. You're right, it is hard to get him in to our best XI. Smith will be there for sure so Marnus is unlikely to start. I personally still see a role for him in the 15 - in place of Stoinis perhaps. But it won't happen - looks like Labuschagne left his run too late.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
So Deano. And Turner doesn’t? He’s a matchwinner in red ball and white ball cricket. He’s the current captain of the Marsh Cup champions and the BBL champions. Not enough credentials for you? Sutherland will never captain Australia. You might not be able to see it but plenty others can. Incidentally Turner’s white ball stats are superior to Sutherland’s and guess what, the current tournament is a white ball series. Make any sense to you from your Victorian perch ?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Should not have been picked to bat at #7.
Tom
Sutherland is returning from a back injury and is still not fit to bowl yet
13th Man
Roar Rookie
If you are a good South African cricketer that can make 10 times the amount of money being a T20 gun for hire, why on earth would you play for your country? We are seeing a Windies level fall from SA I think. NZ could be next, Boult has already moved on. Going to be franchise cricket number 1 and the three powerhouse countries are all that'll be left eventually.