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'Made to be broken': Opinions split over Warner's record innings

chris young
Sports Reporter

David Warner’s record-breaking triple century should have been a moment to celebrate, but for some it became a heated debate.

The Australian opener smashed an unbeaten 335, breaking the previous record mark of 334, set by Mark Taylor and Sir Don Bradman for the second-highest Test score by an Australian.

Warner was short of Matthew Hayden’s record of 380 when captain Tim Paine declared on 3/589, and within sight of Brian Lara’s international record of 400.

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Despite the incredible achievement, opinions on social media were somehow divided as to whether Warner should have let Bradman’s record stand, or whether Paine should have let Warner go for broke in the final overs of the session before the dinner break.

Speaking on Macquarie Radio, Taylor was firmly in the latter camp, arguing Paine should have let Warner have a crack at breaking the records.

Taylor himself once had the chance to surpass Bradman’s mark, but ended up declaring on 334 as well.

“Records are meant to be broken,” he said.

“I got to 334 with two balls to go on the second night of that game. And I tried to hit them as David did.

“And I would have ended up on 335 because the game is not about individual records. The game is about winning and losing.”

Paine criticised for declaration

Australian captain Paine made the decision to end his team’s innings prematurely in a bid to bowl to Pakistan before the dinner break, but ultimately caught criticism for preventing Warner from knocking an even bigger innings.

On commentary for Fox Cricket, former Test quick Brett Lee said opportunities to break records like this were rare, and should have been taken.

Debate has broken out as to whether David Warner should have retired early to preserve a Don Bradman record, or go for broke and try for Brian Lara's all-time knock of 400*. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Debate has broken out as to whether David Warner should have retired early to preserve a Don Bradman record, or go for broke and try for Brian Lara's all-time knock of 400*. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

“I’m just thinking, you don’t often get that opportunity to go on to get a world record,” Lee said.

“Years and years of cricket, and here’s a chance to knock over 400 from the great Brian Lara.

“I just think if they went out to Warner and said here’s the equation, ‘You’ve got eight or nine overs to bat. If you can pick off another 70-odd runs, good luck.’”

There was a similar reaction on social media, with many bagging Paine for calling a premature end to the innings.