David Warner embroiled in ‘bizarre’ DRS drama during season opener against Zimbabwe

Australian cricketer David Warner found himself at the centre of a “bizarre” DRS drama during Sunday’s season opener in Townsville.

Nic Savage

@nic_savage1

2 min read

August 28, 2022 - 5:17PM

Australia has secured a comprehensive five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Riverway Stadium, with opener David Warner handed a reprieve following a “bizarre” sequence of events during the run chase.

Chasing a modest target of 201 for victory, Australia was 1/80 in the 17th over when Zimbabwe spinner Sikandar Raza got a delivery to bounce viciously off the deck, beating the outside edge of Warner’s bat.

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Zimbabwe captain Regis Chakabva appealed for caught behind, immediately calling for a review after umpire Rod Tucker shook his head.

Warner started trudging towards the sheds after the decision was sent upstairs, seemingly convinced he was out.

But to everyone’s surprise, nothing appeared on Hotspot and there was no spike on Snicko as the ball passed the outside edge.

Tucker confirmed the third umpire’s decision of not out, and Warner sheepishly waltzed back into the middle to resume his innings.

David Warner of Australia. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“I don’t know what to say, to be honest with you,” Australian teammate Nathan Lyon said on Fox Cricket commentary.

“I’ll be honest, sitting here watching that and hearing stump mic, I thought it was out … I believe he was out.”

To rub salt into the wounds, Warner slapped Raza’s next delivery over mid-wicket for the first six of the day.

The 35-year-old brought up his 25th ODI half-century a few minutes later, reaching the milestone in 57 deliveries.

Speaking to reporters after the win, Player of the Match Cameron Green confessed the incident was “very weird”.

“I don’t think too many people have seen that; a guy’s walked off thinking he’s out and then gets called back,” he said.

“We weren’t sure if David was just going to keep walking and accept it or go back. It was a really weird one, but yeah, we’ll take it.”

The case for less video intervention in sport Exhibit Z#AusvZim https://t.co/ojOdf5Wa3L
— Rick Eyre on cricket (@rickeyrecricket) August 28, 2022

Bizarre moment! Zimbabwe review for a caught behind against David Warner who thinks he has nicked it, starts walking off, but third umpire stays with not out decision #AUSvZIM
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) August 28, 2022

The David Warner incident is the Perfect example of why most umpires arenâ€™t big fans of batters who â€˜walkâ€™ and make their own decisions #AusvZim
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) August 28, 2022

Raza finally got his man in the 23rd over, with Warner missing a full delivery that crashed into his middle stump.

The talented left-hander departed for 57, having combined with Steve Smith for a crucial 65-run partnership for the second wicket.

Smith finished unbeaten on 48 to help Australia chase the target with 99 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Australian captain Aaron Finch chopped on for 15 during the Powerplay while wicketkeeper Alex Carey was caught in the outfield for 10.

Zimbabwe leg-spinner Ryan Burl later sent a scare through the Australian camp by removing big-hitting all-rounders Marcus Stoinis (19 off 14 balls) and Mitchell Marsh (2 off 3 balls) in the same over.

But short-format powerhouse Glenn Maxwell guided the Aussies home with an explosive 32 not out off nine balls that featured five consecutive boundaries and three huge sixes.