David Warner's controversial act moments before T20 century
David Warner appeared to break one of cricket’s ‘unwritten rules’ on Sunday just moments before notching a brilliant century against Sri Lanka.
Warner's whirlwind unbeaten 100 from 56 balls underpinned a whopping 2-233 - Australia's fourth-highest T20 total and best on home soil.
WHAT CAN’T HE DO: Glenn Maxwell predicts run-out moment before it happens
Sri Lanka stumbled to 9-99 in reply as Australia emphatically took a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.
Warner, on his 33rd birthday and in his first home international since being banned for ball tampering, leapt wildly into the air on reaching his milestone from the last ball of Australia's innings.
However questions have since been asked about whether Warner bent the rules in order to get back on strike for the final over.
This is the Warner overthrow. Footage off the Fox Cricket feed of course. Looks to deflect off his thigh (and away from the man backing up) before they run the overthrow. #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/vPKrUqFzeY
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) October 27, 2019
Faced with the prospect of being stuck at the non-striker’s end on 92 with just six balls remaining in Australia’s innings, Warner got a huge reprieve thanks to an overthrow.
However the ball appeared to hit Warner and deflect away from a Sri Lankan fielder, allowing him to sneak the extra run and get back on strike.
Batsmen don’t usually run if the ball happens to hit them after being thrown by a fielder - an unwritten rule in cricket that falls under the spirit of the game.
Ben Stokes famously said he asked umpires to take off the four runs he received after the ball hit him and raced away to the boundary during England’s win over New Zealand in the World Cup final.
However Warner didn’t appear to have the same thought on Sunday after he gladly took off when the ball deflected off his body.
A number of cricket commentators and fans took to social media, wondering whether Warner had done the right thing.
You don't run if off the bat, but off the body is ok?
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) October 27, 2019
I’ve always thought if it hit any part of you on an overthrow you don’t run.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) October 27, 2019
Jeez you can see why Warner cops a bit of shit. That throw had 2 fielders backing it up, hit Warner who was standing still and deflected, he took the overthrow... #AUSvSL
— Natalie Thorn (@NazzaT7) October 27, 2019
Genuine lol at Warner running on an overthrow that hit him to get himself back on strike to get a hundred. Highest level of shithousery and I’m here for it
— Ian Higgins (@1an_Higgins) October 27, 2019
If this happened in local grade cricket, he’d be lucky to walk off the field.
— Andrew Philip (@pudlet37) October 27, 2019
Off the body is fine. As long as it doesn't hit the bat
— Graham Bingham (@grazza88) October 27, 2019
Would everyone do it to win a game off the last ball? Absolutely. Shouldn't be any different mid game. 'Spirit of the game' bullshit is overblown.
— Roach (@roachy01) October 27, 2019
Warner finding form
After a winter of copping English jeers, Warner is feeling the love again from Australian fans despite a lowly Adelaide attendance of 16,268.
"It's always fantastic to get that ... you forget how much it actually drives you when you're out there," Warner said of the crowd support.
" ... I think they don't realise how much of an impact it has for us players."
Warner, with support from captain Aaron Finch (64 from 36 balls) and Glenn Maxwell (62 from 28), savaged Sri Lanka's bowling.
The trio made a mess of seamer Kasun Rajitha, who finished with 0-75 - the most runs conceded in a four-over spell in T20 internationals.
Warner smacked 10 fours and four sixes, becoming the fourth Australian to hit a T20 international century after Maxwell (three times), Finch (two) and Shane Watson (one).
"You actually forget that you don't have one," Warner said.
"Maxy reminded me, saying 'welcome to the club' which was quite funny."
with AAP