ICC World Cup 2019 | David Warner makes opposing bowlers and captains nervous, says Ian Chappell
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has heaped praise on David Warner, claiming that the left-handed opener instills fear amongst opposition bowlers and captains. Chappell further added that he expects Steven Smith to bat at number three spot in the Australian batting line-up for the World Cup.
Ian Chappell is acknowledged as one of the greatest captains cricket has ever produced. Since his retirement in 1980, Chappell has pursued a high-profile career of a sports journalist and cricket commentator, he is widely-known for his blunt and unbiased views on international cricket.
In his column in the News Limited, Chappell recently gave his two cents on the inclusion of David Warner and Steven Smith in the Australian World Cup squad. Chappell reckons that the left-handed opener is an integral part of the Australian batting order and will scare opposition bowlers over the course of the tournament.
"Warner should step straight back to the opening partnership with skipper Aaron Finch. Any suggestion of Warner moving down the order is illogical.
"You don’t waste the psychological advantage the dynamic left-hander provides at the top of the order. As an opener, Warner makes opposing bowlers and captains nervous, and that is an advantage you don’t squander," Chappell wrote.
In addition to that, the former Australian great also wrote about how he would like to see Smith come in to bat at three in England. Chappell also reckons that Shaun Marsh would be preferred over Usman Khawaja for the number four slot.
"Khawaja's best value is as an opener, and therefore I’d bat Marsh at four, followed by all-rounders Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. That leaves Alex Carey to handle the wicketkeeping duties, followed by four frontline bowlers," Chappell added.
While talking about the Australian pace attack, Chappell opined that Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc will be the first two names on the team sheet while the race for the third pacer will be between Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff.
"Pat Cummins is a must, as is a fully fit Mitchell Starc. The third fast bowling spot will be a choice between Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Jason Behrendorff.
"Adam Zampa’s recent surge of form should see him rated as the first choice spinner. But with the likelihood the pitches will suffer from fatigue in the latter the tournament, Nathan Lyon could be included if a dual spin attack is considered the best option."
