David Warner slams ‘bizarre’ criticism of Steve Smith’s captaincy

DAVID Warner has thrown his support behind Steve Smith, claiming criticism of Smith’s decisions in the victory over Pakistan as ‘bizarre’.

Australian captain Steve Smith (right) and David Warner talk tactics on day 5 of the first Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the Gabba in Brisbane, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY, IMAGES TO BE USED FOR NEWS REPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE WHATSOEVER, NO USE IN BOOKS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM AAP

DAVID Warner has thrown his support behind Australia captain Steve Smith labelling criticisms of his captaincy in the first Test win over Pakistan “bizarre”.

The tourists got within 39 runs of what would have been a world record run chase in the second innings at the Gabba, piling on 450 runs.

Smith was criticised in many circles for his lack of attacking field placings, for not putting his foot on the throat of Pakistan, and for his limited use of off-spinner Nathan Lyon as the quicks bowled themselves in to the ground.

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But Warner, Smith’s vice-captain, had no issue with the was his skipper handled the Pakistan pursuit and made it clear that Australia did in fact win the game.

“It’s bizarre how people are mentioning things about the way he went about field placements and bowling changes,” Warner said.

“At the end of the day, we did win the game.

“He communicated with me while we were out there and I thought the way he went about it was the right way.

“He thinks on his feet when he’s out there and goes with his gut, and it came off.”

Warner conceded Pakistan played well to go so big in the second innings.

But he continued a theme coming from the Aussie camp this week that the softer pink ball contributed in a big way and things would be different come Boxing Day when they revert to a red ball.

Smith’s captaincy has come under fire after Pakistan nearly pulled off a miracle victory.

“Pakistan played very well, they played out of their skin and got themselves in a fantastic position to win the game. That proves to us what the pink ball does, it goes soft and you can hang around,” warner said.

“If it’s a red ball does the game go that long? I don’t know. It is quite challenging to reach 400-plus,

“They played well but we know that Test match cricket comes down to the last day, last hour.

“We won the game. If (Pakistan) can take confidence out of losing, I don’t know. We won the game, it’s a different game now, a different ball, a red ball . there are so many variables.

“We let that one go, we won, and we move on to Boxing Day.”

Warner said he was impressed with new all-rounder Hilton Cartwright’s work in the nets since joining the Test squad, having never played against the West Australian

And he said should selectors make the call to include the 24-year-old, Warner said he looked “ready” for Test cricket.