David Warner can bat at No. 4 in ODI World Cup: Tim Paine

Warner batted at number four in recent ODI series with India while the team preferred Travis Head to open alongside Mitchell Marsh.

Aug 26, 2023 - 17:18

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David Warner can bat at No. 4 in ODI World Cup: Tim Paine

Former Australian captain Tim Paine has heard rumours that the team management will experiment with David Warner at number four in the upcoming ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to commence in India on October 5.

Earlier this year in the ODI series against the Men in Blue, Warner batted at number four while the team favoured Travis Head to open with Mitchell Marsh. Paine anticipates a similar outcome this time around as Australia prepares for the international tournament.

In his previous 16 ODI appearances for Australia, Warner has scored seven fifty-plus scores. Despite this, the team management's consideration of altering his position is quite unusual, but Paine explained why. He explained that the team prefers Marsh and Head to open the innings in order to get off to a fast start, and he fully supports this decision.

Paine said, as quoted by India Today, of Warner's batting position at number four, "I have heard that before."

"It will be crucial to get off to a quick start, and Travis Head and Mitch Marsh are our most explosive performers at the moment. I believe Warner can rank fourth. He is adept with spin, quick between the wickets, powerful, and able to control the innings. Therefore, I prefer to have him in the middle order under these conditions. And I have heard from a few individuals that it has indeed been discussed," Paine stated.

In addition to Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green, the former cricketer believes the forthcoming ODI World Cup should feature two pace bowlers. He stated that the team does not require an additional pacer, so they can make space for Marnus Labuschagne.

Paine added, "I can see us playing two quicks with Cam Green, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell on the pitch." In the meantime, Australia will face South Africa in a three-match series that will reveal a great deal of information.