ICC World Cup 2019: Shane Warne calls for changes in the Australian batting lineup

Australia didn’t let complacency sneak in even after defeating England by 64 runs at the Lord’s and becoming the first team to qualify for the semi-final of the 2019 World Cup. The Aaron Finch-captained unit came out all guns blazing and thumped New Zealand by 86 runs at the very venue. Barring their match versus India at the Kennington Oval, the Aussies have looked unstoppable, to say the least.

Currently, they are the table toppers with 14 points from eight matches. The Men in Yellow would be more satisfied for the reason that their triumph versus the Black Caps came after the failures of David Warner, captain Finch and Steve Smith. All three perished inside the first 12 overs with the score at 46. Prior to that game, Shane Warne, the former Aussie cricketer, suggested some changes in the lineup.

Shane Warne’s suggestions

He called for Smith to bat at number three and also mentioned that Shaun Marsh should come into the side in place of Usman Khawaja. However, during the game, Smith batted at four and was nipped out by Lockie Ferguson courtesy of a superhuman catch from Martin Guptill at the leg gully region.

Khawaja batted at three and he weathered the storm pretty efficiently. The left-hander scored 88 runs off 129 balls with the help of five boundaries. He was also involved in a match-saving partnership of 107 runs with Alex Carey, who scored 71 off 72 and was rightly adjudged the Player of the Match.

Before the encounter, the spin wizard took to Twitter and wrote, “GL to the Aussies against our kiwi friends today. Changes for me are. Smith to bat at number 3 no matter what & S March in for Khawaja & to bar at 4. That is Australia’s best side & a side for all conditions too. Agree followers ? May the best team win @Bazmccullum @SPFleming7,”

Also read – ICC World Cup 2019: Match 37, New Zealand vs Australia – Best Memes from the Match

Here is Warne’s tweet

After seven resounding victories, Australia now has the chance of finishing on top of the ladder by the end of the league stages. Their last match is versus Faf du Plessis’ South Africa on July 6 at the Old Trafford in Manchester.