David Warner caught up in ugly backlash amid Aussie move at World Cup
The Aussie opener's inclusion has caused an almighty stir from cricket fans.
Cricket Australia has caused an almighty stir having announced their team of the tournament at the end of the group stage and included veteran Aussie opener David Warner over India captain Rohit Sharma. India have looked formidable at this World Cup having gone undefeated in the group stage to set-up a semi-final clash with New Zealand.
Sharma and Virat Kohli have led the way for India. Kohli was selected in the team and leads the World Cup with 594 runs with a remarkable average of 99.00. Sharma sits fourth on the run-scoring list with the opener scoring 503 runs with an average of 55.88.
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In Cricket.com.au's 'Team of the Tournament', Sharma missed out on the opening position next to Quinton de Kock from South Africa. The other opener was Warner.
The Aussie veteran has very similar numbers to Sharma, 499 runs with an average of 55.44. His strike rate is 105.5, which is well below Sharma's 121.49. While Warner has one more century, Sharma has captained India to perfection during the tournament. He has also only failed to reach 40 twice in nine innings.
The rest of the team selects itself. New Zealand's No.3 rising superstar Rachin Ravindra is averaging 70.62 and sits third with the most runs.
Kohli has proven himself as once again arguably the greatest white-ball format player of all-time. Australia's Glenn Maxwell comes in for his power-hitting and off-spin.
And while the are few complaints over the rest of the team, Warner's selection over Sharma certainly caused some backlash. Warner has enjoyed a stellar World Cup so far and deserves praise. However, cricket fans took to social media to blast the Australian 'Team of the Tournament' and claim the decision was 'bias'.
Australia might have forgot their nightmare Hitman 😂😆🤣
— prakashreddy3126 🇮🇳 (@prakashreddy311) November 13, 2023
Rohit Sharma is alone bigger than Cricket Australia.
We will give them the answer by lifting the trophy. pic.twitter.com/vFQ5m9Cwuh— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) November 13, 2023
rohit sharma has score 503 runs with staggering strike rate of 120+ whereas warner has score 499 with 105. also just purely on the basis of impact also rohit leads the warner. so australia cricket either wanted to add australian opener or has lost its mind
— swapnil (@swapya_8778) November 13, 2023
Rohit should have been the Captain and Opener of this team pic.twitter.com/97dOVArbm4
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) November 13, 2023
Good team but Rohit must be there in place of warner
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) November 13, 2023
Rohit Sharma should have been in place of Warner and captain#WorldTeam
— MRS. RAJALAXMI (@MrsRajalaxmi) November 13, 2023
When de cock and warner get out for 1 & 5, virat will struggle to hold the game alone, then Cricket Australia will understand the grave mistake ke made😂😂
— Cricket_updates (@unknown_khabari) November 13, 2023
Biased selection 👎
— Rohit Gopi (@itsgopi45) November 13, 2023
Cricket Australia picks the "Team of the World Cup 2023"
Shocking not to see Rohit Sharma there!!
De Kock, Warner, Rachin, Kohli (C), Markram, Maxwell, Jansen, Jadeja, Shami, Zampa, Bumrah, Madushanka (12th man)#CWC23 #ViratKohli #RohitSharma— Storeels (@storeels) November 13, 2023
Cricket Australia's Team of the Tournament:
Quinton de Kock
David Warner
Rachin Ravindra
Virat Kohli
Aiden Makram
Glenn Maxwell
Marco Jansen
Ravi Jadeja
Mohammed Shami
Adam Zampa
Jasprit Bumrah
Australia face World Cup weather dilemma
Australia are set to face South Africa in the World Cup semi-final on Thursday, but an unforeseen element looms as a potential threat. Pat Cummins' side have won seven games on the trot following back-to-back losses to India and South Africa to start the tournament.
The Aussies will be looking for revenge when they take on the Proteas on Thursday, after India and New Zealand clash in the first semi-final on Wednesday. But some worrying weather forecasts have emerged as a potential threat to Australia's hopes, with South Africa in the box seat should rain play a factor.
The forecast for Kolkata is looking pretty bleak, with a 60 per cent chance of rain on Thursday and 70 per cent chance for Friday. There is a reserve day available if weather ruins things on Thursday, meaning the game can be completed on Friday.
But if the game can't be completed, South Africa will advance to the final because they finished in front of Australia after the group stages.
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