David Warner has defended MCG commissioner Matt Page ahead of the Boxing Day Test, suggesting criticism of wicketkeepers has been unfair.
All eyes are on the type of pitch Page serves up for the second Test between Australia and South Africa, after the controversial green cap in the opening Test in Brisbane, which ended in two days.
Despite being under immense pressure, Warner revealed the kind words he had offered Page ahead of the Christmas Day Test.
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“You’ve also got to give the umpires a pat on the back, give them a bit of confidence to keep going out and putting up the wickets that they can put up,” he said.
“As a batsman I’d love to bat on cement but we can’t so you have to find ways and I think sometimes there’s a bit of criticism that they shouldn’t. patted him on the back and told him he was doing a great job.”
Australian cricket coach Andrew McDonald speaks with MCG commissioner Matt Page (Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)
The veteran opener, who will be playing in his 100th Test, said the pitch looked like “a normal, traditional MCG wicket” days out from the Boxing Day Test.
It’s a momentous occasion for Warner, who revealed he never imagined he would open the batting for Australia in the longest format of the game.
“They threw me in to open the batting,” he said.
“I always thought I might have had that dream of being a middle-order batsman for Australia in one-day cricket specifically, not in Test matches. But to come here and play my 100th Test where I started my career in T20 is amazing.
Warner was in good spirits chatting to reporters ahead of the Boxing Day Test (Kelly Defina via Getty Images)
“I’m still pinching myself today and I’m as excited as ever to be back here and play another Boxing Day Test. It’s still a surreal moment.”
There is immense pressure on Warner to return a big score after a lackluster calendar year in the Test arena, but there is no telling the level of expectation.
“Growing up through a housing commission really taught me to fight hard and to achieve the goal you set out to do,” she said.
“I’m living every housing commission boy’s dream. I wanted to play cricket for Australia, I’m doing it now.
“Yes, my back is against a wall, but it’s in my DNA to stay competitive and come out here with a smile on my face and take on whatever opposition I’m about to face.
Warner is in desperate need of some runs heading into the 100th Test of his career, after a low summer (Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)
“I’m here today about to play my 100th Test match and I couldn’t be more proud of myself, my family for getting me this far and my closest friends.”
Australia will pay tribute to Shane Warne, with the Test the first to be played at the spin icon’s beloved MCG since his sudden death earlier this year, and Warner said Australia’s motivation to win test was “massive” to honor Warne.
“From our perspective, it was a big deal when Phil (Hughes) died,” he said.
“Obviously an icon of the game, Shane Warne, who I didn’t get the chance to play with, but what he did for cricket, for Australian cricket and for people around the world was absolutely incredible.
Fans have been asked to don their floppy hats and wear zinc on Christmas Day in honor of Shane Warne (Matt Dunham/AP)
“I loved growing up watching Warnie. He was a great larrikin, he brought out the best in everyone, and when he was on the field, the competitive nature he always had was fantastic.
“It will be a great occasion for us as a team, but for everyone in cricket, especially Australia and Melbourne.
“When you come out here, recognize it and put on the floppy (hats) and some white zinc, it will be much appreciated.”
Australia have a chance to seal a series win against South Africa on Christmas Day, with the third Test to be played at the SCG in the first week of January.
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