Published: Jul 25, 2013, 03:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 25, 2013, 03:00 PM (IST)
David Warner was sent to Africa to play for Australia A and rediscover his form after being away from cricketing action © Getty Images (File Photo)
Johannesburg: Jul 25, 2013
Controversial batsman David Warner sent a timely reminder to the struggling Australian Ashes team with a 193-run innings against South Africa A on Wednesday in Pretoria.
Warner was booted out of the senior team before the five-Test Ashes series against England after punching batsman Joe Root in a Birmingham bar after an ICC Champions Trophy 2013 match in June.
Sent to Africa to rediscover his form with Australia A, the left-hander began on a disappointing note with innings of six and 11 in an 80-run victory over a Zimbabwe Select XI at Harare.
But, it was a very different story at the LC de Villiers Oval in Pretoria as the left-handed Warner let loose against the South African second stringers in a 315-minute spell at the crease.
His venomous 226-ball knock included 29 fours and one six before being bowled by Marchant de Lange, to leave Australia A on 399-5 after 89.4 overs at stumps on day one.
Australia are 2-0 down in the Ashes series after some woeful batting and with the third Test starting at Old Trafford in Manchester next week there could be a few second thoughts about keeping Warner in Africa.
