Star Australian batsman to take part in NT Strike League

Tainted Australian batsman David Warner is in the middle of a tumultuous phase following the shambolic ball-tampering scandal, which panned out in South Africa earlier this year. He was slapped with a one-year ban by Cricket Australia (CA) then headed by James Sutherland. Recently, he played for the Winnipeg Hawks in the inaugural edition of the Global Canada T20 in Toronto.

The left-hander had a torrid time and could score only 109 runs from eight matches at an average of 13.62. His highest score of 55 came against the Edmonton Royals. As far as playing cricket in Australia is concerned, he was barred to play first-class, List A, and Big Bash League. Nevertheless, it has recently been learned that Warner will play two matches in the Northern Territory’s Strike League.

Warner’s new challenge

Warner will represent the City Cyclones in their match against Northern Tide at Matara on Saturday. Thereafter, his team will cross swords with Cameron Bancroft’s Desert Blaze on Sunday as per reports in Fox Sports. He arrived in NT on Thursday. Bancroft, who was also banned by the country’s board for nine months, has played six matches in the tournament.

However, he has only managed to score 155 runs at an average of 25.80. He failed to cross the single-figure mark in the first three matches but has found form with a couple of half-centuries in the last three matches. Steve Smith, another of his teammates, played in the Global Canada T20. He batted in the middle-order and scored a couple of fifties in the event.

Meanwhile, four months have already passed and the trio of Warner, Smith, and Bancroft would be hoping for the remaining time to pass at the earliest. Warner would also be looking to perform well for the Cyclones and keep himself in good stead ahead of further cricketing assignments. Moreover, Warner and Smith would be keen to make the cut for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

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