David Warner has issue with his confidence, says Mark Waugh after Australia opener fails in Nagpur Test

Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Nagpur Test: Mark Waugh and Ravi Shastri questioned David Warner’s confidence and footwork after the Australian opener failed in the series-opener against India.

David Warner has issue with his confidence: Mark Waugh after opener fails in Nagpur Test (AFP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Australia batter Mark Waugh was critical of David Warner’s confidence after the star Australian opener failed with the bat in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Nagpur on Thursday. Waugh said that Warner had had a tough summer despite a double hundred at SCG.

India vs Australia, 1st Test Day 1 Updates

The hosts dominated the first part of Day 1 of the ongoing first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur. Mohammed Shami joined the party soon after Mohammed Siraj gave India their first breakthrough by dismissing Usman Khawaja. Shami’s second over of the match, bowled from around the wicket, sent the dangerous David Warner’s stumps spinning.

“Well, I think he has had a tough summer. I thought he made a great double hundred at the MCG. And apart from that, he has not made a lot of runs. There is an issue with his confidence, I think. I feel like he is not watching the ball as closely as he can. I am not sure if he is looking for the short ball or something else. You have to give it to Shami. That was an excellent ball. I think Warner thought it would leave him but it came at an angle. Top ball,” Mark Waugh told Star Sports during the lunch break on Day 1.

Shami produced an unplayable delivery to remove Warner for only 1. The Australian opener attempted a defensive shot but failed miserably, and the ball went on to completely uproot the off stump. The star opener departed for one, as did his opening partner, Khawaja. At the time, Australia’s scoreboard read 2/2.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri questioned Warner’s footwork and body language, saying that he has seen the Australian opener play with much more positive footwork in Test matches.

“I have seen Warner with much more positive footwork. But there, he was caught on the crease. His body language when he is foot is moving is ‘when you don’t get it right (the bowler), I am attacking’. Here, the body language suggested that he was searching. Makes a big difference,” Ravi Shastri told Star Sports.