Australia's New Warnie?

Australia's dominance over the cricket world for the past decade revolved around tremendous exploits of the greatest Spin bowler world has ever seen - Shane Warne. Incidentally, Aussie decline corresponded with Warnie's retirement. Seeing the team's dismal performances of late, every Aussie Cricket Supporter is asking - Where's next Warnie?

Well, the Aussies seem to have unearthed a new Warnie - not like the wily leg spinner, but a stocky swashbuckling opener in David Warner. Whole of Australia is looking at him with lot of optimism in the wake of string of defeats. His extraordinary display of power hitting at MCG in first T20 match was today followed by an equally astonishing exhibition of strokeplay at SCG against South Africa. Warner's inclusion in national ODI team had raised many eyebrows as he is yet to play a single first class game for NSW. People had strted calling him as One Match Wonder following his failures in first two ODI games. But how well he answered the critics today!

Warner's inclusion in national team - without playing a first class game - must be the first instance in Australia's Cricket history. Such instances are common in Subcontinental Cricketing nations. But Australian selectors had to inject fresh blood to stem the rot. The likes of Shaun Marsh, David Warner, James Hopes seem to the future of Australian Cricket.

Warner's pyrotechnics notwithstanding, Aussies are trailing in the current ODI series against SAF. Will Warner help them win from here? Without the support from a jaded middle order, it seems unlikely.

Older Warnie has a long history of erratic behaviour that includes allegations of fixing, extra marital affairs and banned drugs. This new sensation also is believed to have been thrown out of Cricket Academy because of irresponsible behaviour. One hopes and Dave Gilbert, NSW coach assures, that Warner steers himself away from the conttroversies and concentrates on hitting ball as hard as he can.

A prospect of one Warnie against another awaits Indian fans. While Shane Warne come back to lead Rajasthan Royals, David Warner has been contracted by Delhi Daredevils for the next IPL season. Daredevils aleady boast of world's best opening pair in Sehwag and Gambhir. Warner will add immensely to Delhi's fire power. It will be interesting to see green horn facing upto a wily old fox!