In order to give the Sydney Thunder lineup an alternative, David Warner has disclosed that he may occasionally bat lower in the order in the BBL.
Warner has opened 382 out of 423 T20 innings at every level for nearly his whole career. Warner responded “that’s if I open” when asked about hitting with inexperienced Thunder opener Sam Konstas.
“That’s more for a match-up and strategic point of view,” Warner explained. “The middle [order] left-hander we’ve been searching for isn’t here. We’re now having a conversation about it.”
While Nic Maddinson and Blake Nikitaras are other left-handers in Thunder’s roster, Warner noted that Matt Gilkes might be a possibility. Sherfane Rutherford, a West Indian, played for them last season, however he only managed to score 74 runs in six innings.
Warner also urged Konstas to have courage and support himself as he attempts to re-enter the Australian squad.
Konstas’ chances of winning his first Ashes series were dashed by a string of poor scores at the beginning of the domestic season. However, last week he got a 50 and a Sheffield Shield century.
“He is currently running, which is the best kind of currency. It might be a deer in the headlights when you are thrust into the spotlight,” Warner remarked. “The excitement surrounding everything has the potential to overwhelm and ensnare you. However, he is surrounded by excellent support that will help him stay composed.
Warner added that games would be the ideal way for Konstas to hone his shot selection skills, saying, “You just have to be brave.”
Helping Konstas find his path was another responsibility of the team, according to the Thunder captain.
“You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game,” he stated. When he first experienced Test cricket last year, he likely received a lot of guidance, as children do. However, as a child, you must make an effort to accept what you believe is necessary for you.
“You must be loyal to your principles and approach to your work. He could have made a difference. For us, it’s about keeping him safe and ensuring he’s having fun.”
After losing to Hobart in the previous season’s final, the Thunder want to improve.
“We didn’t anticipate reaching the final with the way we performed. We won a lot of close games because we were really resilient,” Warner remarked. “We didn’t play a complete game … there [which] was a bit of a surprise – but it wasn’t a surprise in terms of the way we’re passionate about our team.”
He stated that retaliation was not the goal of their season opener against the Hurricanes in Hobart on Tuesday.
“I want the guys to look at it as making a statement to the rest of the BBL,” Warner stated. “Each season, what’s important is that we rock up with the same attitude and … what can we do better?”
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