‘Godsend’ Tim David ‘books World Cup ticket’ after West Indies destroyed, video, highlights

In four-ball, Tim David “booked his ticket to the World Cup” by taking 20 points from Obed McCoy’s first four deliveries in the 17th.

Of course, David’s ticket to the World Cup was already booked, but a place in an Australian XI that won its first tournament in less than 12 months was less assured.

Hitting 20 from four deliveries he ran to 42 from 40 and put Australia in a strong position which eventually saw the home side seal a 31-point win to claim the series 2-0.

Only four overs earlier, David faced a bigger moment of truth.

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Just as Andrew Symonds played the decisive innings of his career when Australia were under pressure in their World Cup opener – a game the versatile player probably shouldn’t have allowed himself – David came on in the crease after the home team lost 3-5 to being 4-100.

Nine balls later, after pushing the ball around, David picked his moment to strike.

Spinner Yannic Cariah, who had kept it tighter and wanted to shut it down, kicked the ball in and David played a wonderful controlled drive straight to the ground for six. It was technically perfect from a new man to the five over six fold.

“It takes a bit of courage,” former fly-half turned national manager Mark Waugh told Fox Cricket.

“They just lost three quick wickets, he came in we thought he might knock him down. A nice forehand. He’s just powerful isn’t he? Long levers. Brave but good move.

Back-to-back boundaries through the backspot area then saw David show a different side of his stick than the bludgeoning, big swinger to the side.

“It’s a touch of class from Tim David,” said former wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin, as the right-hander continued his square drive with a fine late cut.

“If he can gain confidence playing that role, he’s someone who can play a big part in us winning a World Cup. He can take a score of 160 at 180-190.

Soon the conversation shifted to who David could potentially impersonate.

Mitch Marsh and Marcus Stoinis – the key men to their World Cup success a year earlier have barely been spotted but have money in the bank – while Glenn Maxwell’s struggles continued after being exhausted for a .

Steve Smith, who was controversially ejected from Game 1 against the Windies, went just 17 of 16 in an inning worth more than was shown on the scoreboard given his partnership with the alongside David, who dominated the strike.

“I have him by my side,” Waugh said. “He has to start. I don’t think it is a certainty but I think it should.

“Who should he leave out? Blacksmith?” asked Brendon Julian.

“He would be the favorite,” Waugh replied. “Maxwell needs a few points but I would play him. Someone is going to be unlucky.

Haddin added: “I think you can only play two from Stoinis, Marsh and Maxwell. You have to decide which two players you want to play there, and that brings David in. I don’t think you need Marsh and Stoinis on the same team if you have David there.

Waugh rightly said Stoinis would have every chance given his exploits at the last World Cup where, alongside Matthew Wade, was an unsung hero with the bat after crucial blows against South Africa and Pakistan.

“They love Stoinis. I mean, he won us a few games in the last World Cup, but he just hasn’t played so far,” Waugh said.

Haddin added: “He played that number six role and he was critical with Matthew Wade at the World Cup, they worked together and brought us home in the final. Mitch Marsh had an exceptional tournament at number three.

But in four ball, David showed his incredible skill, taking 20 from McCoy.

“He just booked his ticket for the team. He’s there. There is no longer any doubt about it. Book it wherever you want, number six, number five,” Waugh said.

David’s innings came after David Warner earlier knocked Australia out of a flyer by scoring 75 from 41.

Warner described David – the Singapore-born 26-year-old who has dominated T20 competitions around the world in recent years despite not having a first-class contract – as a “godsend”.

“Now he’s part of our team and our setup, that’s a godsend,” Warner told reporters after Australia’s 31-point win.

“He’s an incredible player and he has a lot of power. It strengthens our midfield order. With his size too, and his strength, that suits us for sure.

“You saw it there (tonight) – when we got lost and there were two new hitters, ‘Maxi’ (Glenn Maxwell) got missed, and he came out to play like that – it’s fearless cricket.

“That’s what we love about our brand right now. Everyone has their own space, but when you perform your skill and what you practice, that’s what we want.

Warner said Australia coaches have a tough decision to make ahead of the World Cup opener later this month, with three games against England and a warm-up game against India ahead of the World Cup opener. tournament against New Zealand.

“Each individual has their role – we have Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell who are our finishers – (so) where does he fit in the roster and what is his role?” Warner asked.

“Coming out and playing that role there when it was a tough wicket to start really opens our eyes to ‘how do we use that?

“But even what he did for Mumbai (Indians, in the IPL), he got some thirty or forty on eight or nine balls – it’s unbelievable.

“You don’t get these type of players every day.

“It’s going to be good for us going forward and hopefully there’s a place there too, because the coaches have a headache now.”