Proof David Warner is the world’s unluckiest Test batter

David Warner had a relatively underwhelming Ashes series, but the numbers prove that luck hasn’t been on the Aussie opener’s side.

Since his record-breaking 335 not out against Pakistan in December 2019, Australian cricketer David Warner has been uncharacteristically quiet in the game’s longest format.

The swashbuckling left-hander has averaged 37.37 in Test cricket since his marathon knock at Adelaide Oval, with three 50-plus scores in 10 matches.

It’s been over two years since his last Test century, making it the longest drought of his international career.

has every moment of The Ashes live and ad-break free during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

Although he didn’t have an atrocious Ashes series, with 273 runs at 34.12, his output was relatively underwhelming considering his impeccable record on home soil.

But a study conducted by the ESPNcricinfo statisticians found that luck hasn’t necessarily been on the Aussie opener’s side over the past few years.

Since October 2018, Warner has the lowest percentage of fielding reprieves – which includes dropped catches and missed stumpings – of any Test cricketer.

The New South Welshman has offered 23 chances to the fielding side, 21 of which were taken, making him the unluckiest batter in the world.

Indian captain Virat Kohli and Sri Lankan gloveman Dinesh Chandimal are not far behind, tied in second place.

Batters with the lowest percentage of reprieves in Test cricket since October 2018

8.70 per cent – David Warner

9.09 per cent – Virat Kohli

9.09 per cent – Dinesh Chandimal

9.52 per cent – KL Rahul

10.34 per cent – Kraigg Brathwaite

* Minimum 20 chances offered, dropped catches and missed stumpings only

Australian coach Justin Langer and David Warner. Photo by Mark Kolbe – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Of course, Warner enjoyed his fair share of luck in the Ashes series, with England opener Rory Burns dropping an absolute dolly at second slip during the Gabba Test. Warner was on 48 at the time, eventually removed by Ollie Robinson for 94.

During the same innings, the 35-year-old was clean-bowled by Ben Stokes on 17, only for replays to show that the England all-rounder had overstepped the popping crease.

Front foot no-balls have been a recurring theme throughout Warner’s career – he has reached triple figures on four occasions in Test cricket after being dismissed on a no-ball.

Meanwhile, ESPNcricinfo has branded Australian teammate Marnus Labuschagne the luckiest batter in world cricket.

The Queenslander has been given 16 reprieves in Test cricket since making his international debut in October 2018 – of the 41 chances he has offered to the fielding team, only 61 per cent were taken.

Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane is second on that list with 15.

Batters with most reprieves in Test cricket since October 2018

16 – Marnus Labuschagne

15 – Ajinkya Rahane

13 – Ben Stokes

13 – Dimuth Karunaratne

12 – Rishabh Pant

* Dropped catches and missed stumpings only

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia. Photo by Mark Kolbe – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Labuschagne has scored 567 of his 2220 Test runs after being gifted an extra life – his Test batting average would be 42.4 instead of 56.9 if the fielding side held onto their chances against the Australian No. 3.

“He is the luckiest Test batsman there is in history so far statistically,” former Australian opener Ed Cowan said on the ABC Grandstand podcast last month.

“Obviously he gets the runs. We are huge Marnus fans on this podcast … And you make your own luck sure, but my word that is basically getting an extra hit every Test match.

“He is a tough bugger. He batted superbly this Test. He knows his game.

“He knows how to adapt in different conditions. He has got a strong technique. He has got a strong mind.”