Thaindian News

Gros Islet (St.Lucia), May 2 (IANS) Australian captain Michael Clarke has given the green signal to opener David Warner to take a big swing at the ball in the World Twenty20.
Warner is Australia’s in-form batsman and Clarke is banking on him for their opening World Twenty20 clash with Group A rivals Pakistan at the Beausejor Cricket Ground here Sunday. Warner is the leading scorer in Twenty20 Internationals in 2010 scoring 179 runs at an average of 35.80.

Clarke hoped that Warner will blast Australia into a winning position as quickly as he can, hopefully inside six overs.

Warner has already shown his form in practice matches, with scores of 72 from 49 balls and 51 off 41 deliveries against Zimbabwe and Windward Islands.

“He’s the type of guy that sees it and hits it and he’s full of confidence. He plays a huge part, like Matty Hayden used to for us. Within six overs, we can have a real firm grip on the game if Davey goes off. He takes a lot of risks and there are times when he doesn’t perform,” Clarke was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

“He’s a huge part of our team and I’m trying to give him the freedom to do exactly what he’s done in the last two games. To walk out, see the ball and hit the ball. Not be too concerned if he misses out a couple of times, just keep playing his way. He’s a matchwinner.”

Clarke says Warner and opening partner Shane Watson can take Australia to a winning total against a spin-heavy Pakistan attack.

“If we can build an innings in that first eight to ten overs, we’ve got so much strike power even down the bottom of the order. Mitch Johnson, Steve Smith. All these guys can clear the fence quite easily,” Clarke added.

With pressure mounting on him, Warner said he was feeling no pressure.

“They’re going to be bowling full and they’re going to be going further,” he said.