Gabba golden duck adds to Warner’s woes

Oliver Caffrey | December 17, 2022

Spin great Nathan Lyon has urged the Australian public to get behind David Warner after the out-of-form opener’s horror run continued with a golden duck at the Gabba.

Already under immense pressure coming into three blockbuster Tests against South Africa, the veteran’s series could not have started any worse as Proteas star Kagiso Rabada struck with the first ball of Australia’s innings on Saturday.

It was another blow to Warner’s hopes of playing Tests until at least the end of next year’s Ashes and retiring from red-ball cricket on his terms.

Rabada delivered a high-bouncing delivery that Warner could not dodge, popping the ball up as Khaya Zondo took a brilliant one-handed catch at short-leg.

It was the second golden duck of Warner’s glittering 99-Test career.

Rabada’s dominance of Warner continued after dismissing him four times in three matches during the last Australia-South Africa Test series almost five years ago.

Warner has not made a Test century since January 2020 and failed to pass 50 against the battling West Indies during big wins in Perth and Adelaide.

But long-time Australian and NSW teammate Lyon believes the team is far greater for Warner being in it.

“We all know the X-factor of a cricketer that David Warner is and the type of batter so he’s got 100 per cent support of the change room and that should be the whole of the Australian public too, to be honest with you,” Lyon said.

“He got a good steep bounce today, and that’s one hell of a catch to hang on to so that’s part of cricket. 

“I’m expecting David to come out and do amazing things.”

His teammates and Australia coach Andrew McDonald strongly defended Warner heading into the first Test against the Proteas since the infamous ball-tampering tour in 2018.

The 36-year-old wants to play until at least the end of next year’s Ashes, with a trip to India in February looming before that.

McDonald backed Warner in when asked about him this week but was cautious not to declare him completely safe.

“At this stage, we’ve got him in our plans for India,” McDonald said.