Aussies questioned despite monster total in win against Bangladesh

Shane Warne had some harsh words for Australia as it powered to another World Cup win, prompting one star to deliver an emphatic response.

The Aussies have responded after Shane Warne criticised their approach in a 48-run win over Bangladesh as a common grievance received more airtime even while David Warner and Co. slaughtered the Tigers.

Australia dominated the first innings, racking up 5/381 after captain Aaron Finch won the toss and elected to bat but Warne — and others — didn’t believe it showed enough urgency in the middle overs as it looked to post an imposing total.

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Since the start of the World Cup cynicism has surrounded Australia’s batting stocks and a perceived lack of firepower. Former England captain Michael Vaughan has been among the doubters, questioning whether the team is playing outdated cricket and unable to score the 350-plus scores he believes will be necessary against the top teams.

Even as David Warner (166 from 147 balls) scored his second century in three games and Usman Khawaja passed 50 for the first time this tournament, Warne had some strong words about the Aussies for being too tame. Shortly before the end of the 38th over, when the men in gold reached 1/230, the Spin King took to Twitter to voice his issues with the team’s “odd” tactics.

This very conservative approach by Aust is very odd, especially on a small ground with a super quick outfield & as the ball hasn’t spun or seamed. Leaving way to much for Maxwell, Stoinis and Carey to do. Only a wicket down, Aust should be going after the bowling big time !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 20, 2019

Ps I still believe Australia can challenge India & England for the World Cup trophy, but not with this game style or batting order. Australia have fire power but have decided not to use it & gone with playing conservative cricket ! Not sure why followers, it’s very strange !!!

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 20, 2019

Warne doubled down when Glenn Maxwell was run out in the 47th over for a brutal 32 off just 10 deliveries.

Awesome from Maxwell & a stunning 100 from Warner too. Khawaja doing great, but ridiculous he didn’t run. Why wasn’t this happening 20 overs ago. As I said in previous tweets, Aust has the fire power but have decided to play conservatively till the last 10 overs ! Why ?

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 20, 2019

Told about Warne’s tweets after the match, Maxwell said: “I think we went at 13s (runs per over) for the last 14 overs so I don’t think we went that bad.”

Warner was more diplomatic when asked about the cricket legend’s take.

“I always respect what Warne says. For us it’s about going out there and doing the best we can. And whether or not we’re batting slow or fast, I think you’re going to get some form of criticism somewhere,” Warner said.

“But I felt the way we batted today, we tried to take it as deep as we did and we ended up getting 380. That’s just the way that we’re playing at the moment and we can only adapt to the conditions that are in front of us.”

‘IT’S WAY TOO SLOW’

David Warner started slowly but finished strong. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Other cricket commentators shared Warne’s view as the innings neared the 40-over mark. Iconic Australian broadcaster Jim Maxwell told the BBC: “They’re not muscling it around the ground as you’d expect.”

Former England spinner Graeme Swann compared Warner’s knock to Eoin Morgan’s against Afghanistan, when the England captain monstered 148 off 71 balls. Swann said Warner should have started accelerating earlier in his innings, like Morgan did, and believed the 51 runs Australia scored between overs 21-30 was evidence of being too timid.

“That’s not enough for me, it’s way too slow. It’s old fashioned, there’s no urgency,” Swann said in commentary for the BBC.

“You think Australia wants someone in there who can clear the boundary, really take advantage of the last 10 overs.”

But the Aussies backed their game plan, confident in their tactics. The criticism of being too slow with the willow is nothing new this tournament but they hit back the best way possible with a stunning final 10 overs.

After reaching his century off 110 balls, Warner scored his next 66 runs from 36 deliveries before being dismissed, uppercutting a bouncer to short third man.

Khawaja exploded too, though in less violent fashion. He whipped behind square on the leg side and glanced and glided through the off side to improve his strike rate as he made 89 off 72 balls.

Australia scored a whopping 131 runs in the final 10 overs — and it would surely have been more had a freewheeling Maxwell not been burnt by Khawaja — to post its highest score of this World Cup.

But like Warne, Vaughan wasn’t convinced by the late onslaught. He said Khawaja’s final 30 balls were brilliant but believed had Steve Smith been promoted to No. 3, he could have done more damage. The former skipper didn’t get a chance to make an impact, trapped LBW for one on the first ball of the 48th over.

Vaughan also said while the batting performance was strong, it won’t seem as daunting to World Cup heavyweights India, England and New Zealand.

“He (Khawaja) has got a number and he’s played well particularly in the last 30 balls … but you’ve got to ask yourself the question, how much damage would Steve Smith have done on this pitch at No. 3 coming in at the 21st over?” Vaughan said in commentary for the BBC.

“The opposing teams at the World Cup won’t mind Khawaja strolling to the crease at No. 3 in that situation.

“I just think they can do it (up the scoring rate) a little bit sooner.”