'Can bat at home': David Warner breaks two-year drought with Shield century
Test opener David Warner has posted his 29th first-class century after bouncing back to form in NSW's Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland at the Gabba.
The Blues were 4-157 shortly after lunch on day two, with Warner reaching triple figures off 179 balls.
Warner endured a disastrous Ashes campaign in which he averaged a meagre 9.5 with the bat.
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But his form in his first match since the Ashes will be a huge relief for national selectors.
He had 13 boundaries as he passed 100, and a century partnership with Nick Bertus has lifted NSW into a position of strength.
It’s his first century at first class level since Boxing Day 2017.
David Warner reaches triple figures at the Gabba.
The 32-year-old’s last first-class century was Boxing Day 2017 during the Ashes.
New South Wales are 4-157 with a lead of four runs.#SheffieldShield #QLDvNSW— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) October 11, 2019
Fans flocked to social media to marvel at Warner’s bounceback, but many more pointed out that he seems to only be able to score runs on home soil.
I’ve said it again as again. David Warner can only score runs in Australia
— AllTheHarrysRockMe (@itsAnyaaa) October 11, 2019
And to think people say David Warner is a home conditions bully. https://t.co/gOSyWfvEQb
— Andrew (@shortflyslip) October 11, 2019
Confirming David Warner can bat at home, but not abroad.
— Tim Findlay (@TimFindlay) October 11, 2019
As much as I didnt like him being in the team in England, he has to play this summer
— Matty J (@SoulRasher12345) October 11, 2019
While his ashes was dismal. Which really counted. he will be fine in the aus summer, with the crowd behind him
— Lucas 🇪🇸🇦🇺 (@3ptSpanishking) October 11, 2019
Warner managed just 95 runs in 10 innings in the five Ashes Tests and became the first player in history to have eight single-figure failures in one series.
It has left him with pressure on his spot coming into a home summer for the first time since his debut in 2011, with chief selector Trevor Hohns refusing to guarantee his spot.
However Steve Smith previously said he saw no reason why Warner wouldn't find form again back at home, where he averages just shy of 60 in Test cricket.
"Obviously Davey had a pretty tough time of it over in England," Smith said.
"Opening the batting over there can be pretty tough - particularly being a left-hander. He's obviously a quality player, we know that.
"He has played lot of cricket and he knows you can go through those periods and come out the other side.
"He's got an exceptional record in Australia and he will obviously be looking to get some runs under his belt in the next few weeks."
Steve Smith’s rare duck
Queensland were rolled for 153 on Thursday, with only Marnus Labuschagne (69) putting up any real resistance.
NSW's reply started disastrously, with Smith posting a rare duck and Daniel Hughes (6) and Moises Henriques (0) also failing as the Blues crashed to 3-14.
Warner's rescue mission came at a perfect time - not only for NSW but also himself as he attempts to hold onto his Test spot.
The 32-year-old became the first batsman in Test history to be dismissed for single figures eight times during one series during a disastrous Ashes campaign.
It was also the lowest return for an opener playing all 10 innings in a five-Test series
But Warner's big knock against Queensland looks certain to secure his spot for the start of Australia's Test summer, which gets underway against Pakistan in Brisbane on November 21.