Thaindian News

Melbourne, Aug 8 (IANS) Australian batsman David Warner says working with former Test opener Justin Langer, who is now team’s batting coach, has made him more consistent.

Warner, 24, has been labelled a Twenty20 specialist but his recent performances have shown signs of his doing as well in one-day or even Test cricket.

On Australia A’s winter tour of Zimbabwe, Warner scored 341 runs at 113.60 in the two first-class matches, including his maiden first-class double century.

He contributed 53 off 31 balls in Australia’s 35-run Twenty20 loss to Sri Lanka Sunday in Kandy.

“I put it down more to my feet moving in the direction of the ball,” Warner was quoted as saying in Herald Sun.

“I’ve worked hard at it over the past six months and that’s one good thing I’ve had out of working with Justin Langer. When your feet are moving, your upper body goes with you.

“It’s a skill that when your feet are out to the ball, you connect with the ball all at once.”

“When I first started, everything was coming from the top basically and not moving my feet. Now that I’ve learnt that, it’s got me adapted to more shot selection. Now everything’s more technically correct.”

After the second Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka, Warner planned to go home to Sydney, and cement a spot in the Blues’ Sheffield Shield team.

“It was more frustrating that I was playing only Twenty20,” Warner said.

“I knew I had the patience and skill to grind it out in the longer form. One thing that counts is you have to grab the opportunity when you can and that’s one thing I’m doing at the moment.”