Cricket legend Ian Chappell says Australia’s fortunes in the Twenty20 World Cup final may hinge on David Warner.
The Aussies take on New Zealand from 1am (AEDT) for the right to lift the trophy.
Warner – the 35-year-old opening batter whose future in the game was being questioned only a few weeks ago – was instrumental in getting the Aussies to the tournament decider.
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Shaking off a lean pre-Cup run of form, the left-hander has hit 89 and 49 in his last two matches to power his side to the final.
“Warner and Australia’s batting I think is the big thing. If Warner gets going he can put the game out of your reach in a big hurry,” Chappell told Wide World of Sports.
“They’ve got pretty strong batting. New Zealand probably rely more on their bowling, so I’d say Australia’s batting is the key.
“That’s the thing with T20 cricket. One or two bad overs (can lose the game), or one or two good overs can win you the game.”
While Warner is a lock at the top of the order, his superstar teammate Steve Smith is very much a moving part.
The classy right-hander has only been required to bat in four of Australia’s six World Cup games.
He’s batted only twice in the last four matches, and been out for 1 and 5.
Outspoken cricket great Shane Warne questioned Smith’s place in the T20I team recently, but Chappell is having none of it.
“If he’s not a valuable player in the game, there’s something wrong with the game. That would be my answer,” Chappell said.
“He’s a very good player. If the game can’t find a spot for him then there’s something wrong with the game.
“They seem to send him in early if they lose a wicket early to stabilise things, and if they get going he slides down the order.
“It’s going to depend on if Australia gets away to a good start, you’ll probably see Steve Smith slide down the order.”
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