Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

David Warner on the WTC final: 'It should be at least a three-game series'

Written by 
Published in Cricket
Saturday, 03 June 2023 06:54
David Warner would like to see the World Test Championship (WTC) final played as a three-Test series instead of a one-off game.

Australia take on India at The Oval from June 7, the first step in a big six months for them as they challenge for the Test title, the Ashes and then the ODI World Cup. Warner has played in World Cup finals before - has won them too - but is looking forward to a first five-day title.

"I think it's great," he said ahead of a training session in Beckenham. "I have been - I won't say critical - but I do think it should be at least a three-game series with Test cricket only. You play two years of good cricket, then you play on a neutral venue against an opposition. We've all played here before but [this game is] not against the same [host] nation.

"It's a great reward for the two best teams. Two world-class bowling attacks bowling with a Dukes ball on foreign land. It's great and we're excited for that."

Given an increasingly cramped calendar and the demands on a schedule a three-Test series will make on any host nation, it is unlikely Warner's wish will become reality anytime soon. Speaking last week, the ICC's general manager cricket, Wasim Khan said that though there is constant review of the structure, the current feedback from members was that the league and one-off final was "continuing to work as it is".

Members have committed to the league and final for the next eight-year cycle.

Warner cops blow on elbow but he's good to go

Warner should be fine to play in the final, despite taking another hit to his left elbow in nets a couple of days ago. It hit him on the same spot as the Mohammed Siraj delivery in the second innings of the Delhi Test earlier this year. That blow resulted in a hairline fracture which ruled him out of the remaining two Tests of the series.

"It was sore, it got me right on the same point from a different angle," he said. "It went numb, had to get it strapped. It's fine now, a little bit sore. Luckily it didn't hit me on top.

"The last one hit from above and had a hairline fracture. This one was a straight blow on the corner of the elbow which was quite sore. Just one of those things, you get hit, you get hit, can't do anything about it."

Warner goes into the final with questions around his Test form. He averages 26 since the start of 2022 but said he'd been batting in the nets better than he ever remembers.

"I remember 2013, I was in the nets and copping it left, right and centre in the media about getting bowled by Mitchell Starc and all the other guys and how I wasn't in form in the nets. I found that a bit bizarre because I'm probably one of the worst netters going around. But here, I've actually been superb, in terms of how my feet have been moving. My energy's been moving, I've been up and about. I'm probably batting better than I ever have in the nets."

With a Test underway at Lord's already and the Ashes to start in just under two weeks, the WTC final - in England but without England - has had to fight a little for its share of the attention. Warner, at least, was clear about his immediate priorities: Stuart Broad later, Mohammed Shami and Co for now.

"I haven't really worked on that [plans for Broad] yet," he said. "I'm concentrating on the WTC final. Mohammed Shami and [Mohammed] Siraj and Shardul Thakur is what's on my mind first. That's what important to us right now, then I'll switch on and worry about Stuart Broad if they select him for the first Test this time."

"We've played some outstanding cricket over the last 18-24 months. We know what India will bring to the table. It's a great neutral venue, two world-class bowling attacks with a Dukes ball and from a batter's perspective, I can't wait to get out there."

Read 138 times

Soccer

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection

Poch: Playing in MLS no barrier to U.S. selection

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsST. LOUIS -- United States manager Mauricio Pochettino said that Am...

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final

Marta nets stellar goal, sends Pride to NWSL final

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Orlando Pride advanced to their first NWSL championship with a...

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

Kane: England youth give Tuchel incredible options

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHarry Kane said incoming England coach Thomas Tuchel has been boost...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Grizzlies rookie Edey leaves win with ankle injury

Grizzlies rookie Edey leaves win with ankle injury

EmailPrintMemphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey exited during the second half of Sunday's win ov...

Cavs (15-0) stay unbeaten despite resting Mitchell

Cavs (15-0) stay unbeaten despite resting Mitchell

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Darius Garland scored 25 points, Ty Jerome matched his...

Baseball

Ted Williams' 1946 MVP award sells for over $500K

Ted Williams' 1946 MVP award sells for over $500K

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsA rare souvenir postcard picturing Hank Aaron as a rookie with the...

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

Ex-Reds manager Bell joins Blue Jays' front office

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays hired former Cincinnati Reds manag...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated