'Unbelievable': Australia coach full of praise for David Warner's six on double-bounce ball

Published November 12, 2021
Australia's David Warner plays a shot during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup semi-final match between Australia and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on November 11. — AFP
Australia's David Warner plays a shot during the ICC men’s Twenty20 World Cup semi-final match between Australia and Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on November 11. — AFP

David Warner's six on a delivery that bounced twice in the Twenty20 World Cup semi-final has been termed unsportsmanlike, but Australia coach Justin Langer on Friday called the shot “unbelievable”.

Warner hit 49 to set up Australia's five-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai on Thursday to book a title clash with New Zealand.

But his 30-ball knock had two interesting moments including when he jumped out of his crease sideways to smash Mohammad Hafeez for a six over deep mid-wicket after the ball had slipped from the bowlers hand and connected with the bat on a double bounce.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said, “What an absolutely pathetic display of spirit of the game by Warner! #Shameful”.

But Langer said he was impressed by Warner's instinct to make a shot out of the ball that would have surprised any batsman.

“Oh my gosh! It's one of the best things I have ever seen in the game of cricket. I don't think anyone would have the instincts to do that,” Langer told reporters.

“Most people would not have been sure what to do. It's a no ball and then to have the talent and ability to hit it for six, unbelievable.

“And then he walked of course when he nicked it, so anyone thinks it to be unsportsmanlike, probably evens it up a bit.”

The second key moment came when Warner fell to spinner Shadab Khan, caught behind and walked back only for replays to suggest the left-hand opener did not edge the ball.

Glenn Maxwell at the other end also could not assist his partner in taking a review — two left in the Australia innings at that point.

Langer said the team would work on taking the referrals.

“So much noise out there last night, honestly it was like a rock concert,” Langer said on the nearly packed Dubai stadium with Pakistan supporters.

“I think we have all talked about it. He was surprised. Maxi was surprised, he was his partner when [we] saw it on the replays later on in the innings. We will work through that.”

Warner hit three fours and three sixes to give the team a flying start before Shadab Khan pulled it back with his four wickets.

Australia fell to 96-5 after Maxwell's wicket before Marcus Stoinis (40) and Matthew Wade (41) pulled off the team's chase of 177 with one over to spare.

Both Australia and New Zealand are eyeing their maiden T20 World Cup crown on Sunday in Dubai.

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...