Tim David scored 42 runs off just 20 deliveries in the second T20I match against the West Indies on Friday. Clearing the ropes three times. Prior to this, he also scored a quick fifty against India. This puts pressure on Steve Smith and his role in the team.
Australian opener David Warner acknowledged that the selectors have a difficult decision to make. Australia’s batting order hasn’t been decided because players are still fighting for berths. As the 26-year-old continues to impress, Tim David’s inclusion into the national team soon before the tournament has provided them with a vital alternative in the middle order.
Impressed Warner
Australia had lost two crucial wickets at a point in the innings, Warner was very impressed with David’s gutsy approach. Warner said, “Now that he’s in our team and our setup. It’s a godsend.” He has a tonne of power and is a fantastic player. It strengthens the intermediate order. With his height as well as strength, it suits us that’s for sure.
“Each individual has their roles – we’ve got Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell who are our finishers – (so) where does he fit in the line-up and what’s his role?” Warner said after the second T20I. “Coming out and playing that role there when it was a hard wicket to start on really opens our eyes to ‘how do we utilize that?’
“But even what he did for Mumbai (Indians, in the IPL), he got a couple of thirties or forties off eight or nine balls – it’s incredible. You don’t get these types of players every day. It’s going to be good for us moving forward and hopefully there’s a spot there as well, because the selectors have got a headache now.”
What smith said
Steven Smith is aware that now that he is no longer known as “Mr. Fix it,” he must demonstrate his intent. The issue is that he’s not displaying it. Tim David has again demonstrated why he simply cannot be left out of Australia’s top side with a stunning 42 off 20 in Australia’s triumph over West Indies at the Gabba that secured the series 2-0, and he is running out of time before the World Cup.
Smith talked about his recent outing. He said, “Just having that more attacking mindset rather than when I was playing that kind of role. I was probably in a more defensive frame of mind. And almost just trying to get through without taking the game on as much.”
“I’m obviously not as strong and powerful as some of the other guys but some wickets entail just being smart and punching the ball and timing the ball really well as well,” Smith said the day before the Gabba match.
