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Australia is set to host India in a five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting on November 22. While experts are weighing in on their predictions, recent history favours India. The last time Australia won the trophy was in the 2014-15 series, and since then, India has dominated the Australian conditions, winning the last two series held Down Under. As India looks to continue their winning streak, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, aims to make a strong comeback and create memorable moments.
However, Australia will be missing their star batter, David Warner, who retired from Test cricket in January and ended his international career after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
On August 21, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden discussed the impact of Warner’s absence. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai at the Ceat Cricket Rating awards, Hayden emphasized that Australia will feel Warner’s loss significantly. He commented:
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“For the first time, it doesn’t feel as secure. David Warner provided excellent service to Australian cricket. He was highly competitive and dynamic. He really took forward the legacy from the 2000s. His strike rates above 80 (70.19) gave great momentum to the top order, which is otherwise quite conservative. So, replacing him is a huge challenge.”
Here are three reasons why Australia will miss David Warner in the BGT 2024-25:
1. Experience of Playing in Australia
David Warner retired as Australia’s fifth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with 8,786 runs from 112 matches at an average of 44.6, including 26 centuries. Warner was a pivotal player for Australia for years, and even in his final Test innings, he scored 57 off 75 balls, contributing to an eight-wicket win.
Throughout his career, Warner played 58 Test matches on home soil, scoring 5,438 runs at an average of 57.85, with 15 half-centuries and 20 centuries. His highest Test score, 335*, came against Pakistan in Adelaide. Given Warner’s exceptional record and consistent performances in Australia, his absence will be felt strongly in the upcoming series.
2. Steven Smith’s Struggles at the Top
Since Warner’s retirement, Australia has played four Test matches with Steven Smith opening the batting. Smith, who has spent most of his career at No. 4, has scored 5,966 runs in 111 innings at an average of 61.50. Overall, Smith has played 109 Test matches, amassing 9,685 runs at an average of 56.97, including 32 centuries.
However, Smith’s move to open the batting has not been successful. In eight innings as an opener, he has only managed 171 runs at an average of 28.50, with his highest score being 91* in a losing effort against the West Indies in Brisbane earlier this year. Given his struggles in this new role, selectors might consider moving Smith back to No. 4 and finding a new opener to fill Warner’s void.
3. Warner’s Record Against India
David Warner had significant experience playing against India. In 21 Test matches against the Men in Blue, Warner scored 1,218 runs at an average of 31.23, including four centuries. All these centuries were scored in Australia, where he amassed 760 runs across 10 Test matches.
With a five-match series ahead and both teams competing for a spot in the World Test Championship final, Warner’s presence could have been a major factor against Indian bowlers. Given his record against India in Australia, the Indian team might be relieved by his absence. It will be interesting to see who opens alongside Usman Khawaja for Australia in the BGT 2024-25.
Also Read: CEAT Cricket Awards 2023-24: Check Out The Complete List Of Winners