Warner shows leadership traits

David Warner has played an uncharacteristically measured knock as Australia finished day one of the fifth Ashes Test on top.

Australian batsman David Warner

David Warner has foreshadowed his ascension to the Australian vice-captaincy with a knock of intent. (AAP)

David Warner has foreshadowed his ascension to the Australian vice-captaincy with a knock of intent.

Not the intent which he normally displays - that of the cavalier batting and in-your-face aggression variety.

But rather the intent that he is a changed man.

In contrast to Australia's opening day capitulation at Trent Bridge, an uncharacteristically reserved Warner compiled a measured 85 to help build a first innings of 3-287 by stumps on Thursday.

Australia needed a leader to step up, and their vice-captain-elect did his duty.

The pugnacious left-hander wasn't entirely an overwhelming choice as Steve Smith's deputy once Michael Clarke retires at the end of the fifth Ashes Test - the popular view being that he prevailed due to there being no other candidates.

However, on a tour where he has sworn off alcohol, preferring instead the company of his young family, Warner has displayed the qualities Cricket Australia are chasing from him.

More leadership speak and less "speak English".

With the Ashes already returned, Australia had little but pride to play for - a trait Warner showed it still exists underneath his baggy green.

So determined was Warner to make a memorable score, he shelved his natural aggression and embraced "the leave".

It prompted England paceman Stuart Broad to chirp that he was playing like another left-handed Australian opener - but not of the dashing variety.

"Broady said to me it was like Angus Fraser bowling to Mark Taylor out there, the way we went out there was the way we had to play," said Warner, who also explained how he altered his approach in order to extend his stay at the crease.

"I changed my guard, I batted on off stump and outside off stump. Out of my crease, in my crease. It was just a game plan I had to try and work on to score runs."

It worked a treat until Warner was lured into a false shot by his nemesis this tour, offspinning allrounder Moeen Ali.

He pushed forward at a juicy delivery and edged hard to Adam Lyth at slip.

Warner was livid with himself over the dismissal - angrily swinging his bat having thrown away a maiden Test century on English soil.


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3 min read

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Source: AAP


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