Published: May 19, 2013, 03:53 PM (IST)
Edited: May 19, 2013, 03:53 PM (IST)
David Warner (L) and Shane Warne © Getty Images
The similarities between Shane Warne and David Warner are truly intriguing. Shrikant Shankar draws comparisons and wonders if Warner is also pressing the self-destruct button like Warne.
Warne and Warner — the difference in their near-similar surnames is just one alphabet.
There are lot more similarities, if one examines closely. They are of almost similar build and height. Warne was one of the greatest spinners in the game, while Warner has the potential to be one of the most destructive batsmen of all time. Intriguingly, Warner’s bowling action — from the run-up to the delivery — seems a brilliant copy of Warne. Warner seems to have deliberately modeled his action on the legendary leg-spinner.
It now seems that Warne is going the Warne in courting trouble.
Warne was destined to lead Australia after Steve Waugh. But that it did not happen, though Warne is seen by many former players, cricket experts and fans as ‘The best captain Australia never had’.
Warner was touted by many as a suitable successor for Michael Clarke as captain of Australia. He was made vice-captain of the Australian team in 2012, ahead the tri-series involving India and Sri Lanka Down Under. It suggested that Cricket Australia and the selectors were thinking of Warner as a potential future captain. However, Warner never got to captain Australia, despite Clarke being injured; Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson shared the responsibility.
Then came another setback for Warner. Once Watson stepped down as vice-captain of the Australian team last month, the selectors made Australian Twenty20 captain George Bailey as Clarke’s deputy for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England and wicket-keeper Brad Haddin was named as vice-captain of the Test side for the Ashes tour of England.
Warner’s most ardent admirer would say that at age 26, he has time on his side. But when Warner began his tirade against two Australian journalists on Twitter, he might have caused an even bigger setback to his quest to lead Australia in the future.
After an article by Australian journalist Robert Craddock for News Limited Newspapers about the issues of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Delhi Daredevils batsman lent out his feelings on Twitter.
His first tweet was addressed to Craddock – “Shock me @crashcraddock1 talking s*** about ipl jealous p****. Get a real job. All you do is bag people. #getalife”
Craddock did not respond to this but his colleague Malcolm Conn did. His tweet ran, “@davidwarner31 cricket is a real job? Please. Most people pay to play. Million dollar cricketers milking the IPL are hardly the best judges.”
Thus began a war of words between the two.
Warner then tweeted, “@malcolmconn coming from you champion all you do is talk s*** as well. What about encouraging Aus players rather then (sic) bagging them.”
Conn aptly tweeted in reply, “@davidwarner31 You lose 4-0 in India, don’t make a run, and you want to be tickled on the tummy? Win the Ashes and get back to me.”
This is not the first time Warner has found himself in trouble in the eyes of Cricket Australia. In February of 2011 Warner had a Twitter battle with countryman Brett Geeves and the duo were warned by the board then.
Now Warner faces disciplinary action for his Twitter rant as Cricket Australia will conduct a hearing against the explosive batsman after charging him for a breach of its code of behaviour on Sunday.
Cricket Australia is amongst the strictest cricket boards with very high expectations of their players, on and off the field. Name and reputation counts for little when decisions are made for the betterment of Australian cricket.
Steve Waugh was axed as ODI captain after a disappointing tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand at home. Michael Hussey was not given a second chance after Australia’s 3-0 ODI loss against the Kiwis prior to the 2007 ICC World Cup. Warne was succeeded by Adam Gilchrist as vice-captain under Steve Waugh and was then sidestepped completely as Ponting was made captain after Waugh’s removal.
Warne, according to many, bore the brunt of the decisions made by the Australian Cricket Board (now Cricket Australia) due to his indiscretions and behavior off the field.
The authorities want to promote a captain who is not only capable of leading Australia to great heights, but also do it with little or no controversy.
Ponting has had his fair share of controversies, especially during his earlier days in international cricket. But he kept out of trouble enough to see himself being made captain. Many felt Warne would have made a better captain than Ponting, but hindsight is a wonderful tool.
Ponting led Australia to great heights including World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007. He also led them to be the undisputed No.1 in Tests. So in hindsight the decision of the selectors was proved right.
Warner also faces similar tribulations ahead. He might get the rub of the green like Ponting did if he steers away from on and off-field controversies. Or he could go down the same path as Warne and not get a chance to lead his team. If that happens, there will be one more trait added to Warne and Warner’s similarities.
(Shrikant Shankar previously worked with Mobile ESPN, where he did audio commentary for many matches involving India, Indian Premier League and Champions League Twenty20. He has also written many articles involving other sports for ESPNSTAR.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Shrikant_23)
