David Warner is back, he is back in Perth and the runs are back. Warner owns the WACA, he has dismantled bowling attacks in the past, he has run away with the game in just one session, and today was no different.
When South Africa were bundled out for 242 in the first innings, there was hope that the new ball in the hands of Dale Steyn would dish out the same misery on the Aussie opening batsmen, as South Africa batsmen copped early in the morning. However, things turned out to be entirely different, for this is Warner's territory and he showed exactly why.
Dale Steyn steamed in, but Warner was more than ready with his broad blade and after a watchful start he started doing what he does best and that is to annihilate bowling attacks. However, unlike his innings against India and New Zealand, this innings was not as fluent and many of his previous efforts, but the runs came thick and fast. He drove when the ball was pitched up, and then waited for the ball if it was pitched even a fraction shot and then unleashed a scathing cut. He scored 62 of his 73 runs through the off side, and an indication of the line the Proteas bowlers bowled and the form David Warner is in.
Also read: 5 reasons why David Warner is tough to bowl to
He edged Steyn, but he did not stop going after runs and decided to step on the gas when he got over initial jitters he pressed on the accelerator. However, the pace on the ball, the bounce on the pitch and the rapid outfield ensured that the runs keep coming.
There was some sanity restored by the South African lower order but the day ended with Warner and Australia right on top.
The luck too was in his favour when he survived a very close LBW shout against Vernon Philander when he was on 17. He was as plumb as one could get but then Philander overstepped and the everything was nipped in the bud. Dale Steyn was rapid but was very erratic, Kagiso Rabada struggled to find the right line and length, and Philander who was the pick of the bowlers fluffed the only chance by overstepping.
Eventually, Warner ended the day on 73 and along with Shaun Marsh (29) put on 105 for the first wicket. Australia are in the driver's seat, and with Warner in such belligerent mood, there is no reason why they cannot run away with the game in the first session tomorrow morning.
Click here for the video of the innings.
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