‘Just normal banter’ – David Warner reveals chat with Shaheen Afridi

The first Test of the ongoing series between Australia and Pakistan began at the Optus Stadium in Perth on December 14. Seeing the pitch in Perth, Shan Masood-led Pakistan went with a pacer-friendly lineup, with some players getting their Test debut.

Test debutant Aamer Jamal made many heads turn in his direction as he took the wickets of David Warner and Travis Head, conceding 63 runs in 12 overs. Speaking of his performance after the day, Jamal opined that he could not find his rhythm in the first spell but found it later. He also revealed the short-ball strategy Pakistan used to dismiss Warner and Head.

“In my first spell, I couldn’t find my rhythm. In my second spell, I felt better. Later, I spoke to the captain and wanted another spell. We planned for both of them [Warner and Head] with short balls, and that helped us succeed. Head was playing the cut shot well, so it was our plan to have the (catching) fielder outside the circle. He was playing the shot even if it wasn’t that short, so that’s how we got him out,” Jamal said in the post-day press conference.

He also stated that Pakistan will tryto  dismiss the remaining batters as early as possible on Day 2. “We’re planning to get them out in the first hour tomorrow morning. Both batsmen are playing their shots so if they’re doing that, we might get them early on,” he added. 

The chit chat is just normal stuff: David Warner

Veteran Australian batter David Warner put on quite the show against Pakistan on Day 1. Establishing his authority and silencing his critics, Warner scored 164 runs in 211 deliveries. Talking of his knock, the veteran also opened up on the chit chat he had with Shaheen Afridi as he targeted the pacer.

“It’s been a long few months for Shaheen [Afridi] as well, he’s bowled a lot in the World Cup. You’ve got to try to apply pressure to their senior bowler in the first Test match. The chit chat is just normal stuff – there’s nothing. He’s not trying to get under my skin or anything, it’s just normal banter,” Warner said.