T20 World Cup: Justin Langer backs David Warner – The former Australia vice-captain may not be in a good form but coach Justin Langer said he will continue to open with Aaron Finch in the next few matches. Australia eked out a hard-fought 5-wicket victory over South Africa on Saturday.
“There are some really good signs from Davey (Warner) yesterday. I think he pulled Rabada for four, he played a beautiful cover drive, he played a great cut shot, and then one held up on him a bit. But they’re good signs for me,” Justin Langer said.
T20 World Cup: Despite poor from, Australia coach Justin Langer to keep faith in David Warner
Justin Langer also ruled out any injury concerns. While Aaron Finch has just recovered from knee surgery, David Warner’s poor strike rate has raised questions on his fitness.
“He’s in as good physical shape as I’ve ever seen him so that’s a very positive sign, [I’m] really confident he’ll come good. And Finchy (Finch), I thought one, Finchy’s captaincy was brilliant yesterday. And he’s another one that, he had knee surgery, it might take a little bit of time for him to get moving. He’s working hard in the nets in his preparation. I don’t think it’s so much a mental thing for Finchy,” he added.
T20 World Cup: Despite poor from, Australia coach Justin Langer to keep faith in David Warner
However, the match against South Africa wasn’t an easy one. Even though Australia restricted Proteas to 118, they struggled, losing both Aaron Finch and David Warner inside the powerplay and five wickets in 81 runs. However, Australia managed to chase down the 119 target with five wickets to spare. Langer said it would be important for the side to close down the matches early and not lose confidence in the process.