Need to see some big runs from Australia’s top order: David Warner

David Warner.
(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

David Warner isn’t convinced by Australia’s top order in the ongoing series against India. Marnus Labuschagne scored a half-century in the second Test but the former international noted that the batting unit needs to get better and support Travis Head, who has been brilliant so far and also scored a century in Adelaide.

Usman Khawaja meanwhile has been ineffective so far in the series. The veteran has amassed only 34 runs in two matches and that’s a concern. Steve Smith has failed to make a mark as well and there are areas that the team management needs to address ahead of the Gabba Test as Warner highlighted.

“I think the pressure is on all the top order, not just ‘Uzzie’. Travis came out and counterpunched and scored a brilliant hundred, and we know he’s capable of doing it. But it’s everyone else around supporting that. It’s not just one player in particular, it’s the top six scoring bulk runs and making sure you’re giving rest to the fast bowlers,” Warner was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

“It was a fast-paced Test in the first game, but this last one was Mitchell Starc at his best as usual with the pink ball. Come Brisbane, we need to see some big runs from the top order,” he added.

Also Read – ‘Not convinced with him’ – David Warner on Marnus Labuschagne’s Adelaide performance

Warner impressed by McSweeney’s intent

McSweeney has made 59 runs in two matches so far in the series. Despite so, the southpaw liked what he saw and appreciated his intent in the longest format. He added that the youngster has a good temperament and if he manages to keep up with the same, McSweeney can be successful in Test cricket.

“He’s had four of probably the five hardest jobs when it comes to an opening batsman, and I think he’s handled it well,” Warner said. We saw glimpses the other day of the intent that you show when you’re scoring, and there are a lot of question marks around why they chose him, but the glimpses that you’ve seen, we now know why.

“He’s got a good temperament, I like the way he sets up, and I think he’s got a good future ahead of him. It’s just this bowling attack from India is relentless if they bowl in partnerships. If they bowl like they did the other day with just (Jasprit) Bumrah, hopefully, the boys can score some big runs against them,” Warner said.

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