‘Makes it uncomfortable for other batters’ - Brad Hogg opines on David Warner's unique guard ahead of Ashes 2023

Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg expressed that David Warner may not be able to use his unique guard during the eagerly-anticipated Ashes, slated to begin on Friday, June 16. Notably, the two arch-rivals will lock horns for the first Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Ahead of the first red-ball clash, former cricketer Hogg voiced his stance on Warner’s guard and why he may not be able to use it during the Ashes. For the unversed, the explosive Aussie southpaw adopted a new approach which helped him go back and cover the line of the ball in the recently concluded ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final. With this, Hogg stated that the unique guard will disturb the other batters and the pitch cannot be damaged as per ICC's law 41.14.2. 

"David Warner digs two holes behind the crease to help with his trigger movement. He wants to go back and across and cover the off-stump. But this guard makes it uncomfortable for other batters as well. This is because law 41.14.2 states that you can't damage the pitch," Hogg told on his YouTube channel.

Edgbaston looks like a dry wicket: Hogg

Furthermore, Brad Hogg also shared his thoughts on England’s aggressive batting approach, named ‘Bazball’, and added that the home side loves to chase upon winning the toss. However, considering that the Edgbaston pitch appears to be dry, the Australian veteran spinner, Nathan Lyon, could play a vital role towards the latter stages of the crucial contest.

"Under (Brendon) McCullum and (Ben) Stokes, when England win the toss in English conditions they like to field first. They like to chase with their aggressive style of batting. But Edgbaston looks like a dry wicket. There's hot conditions for the first couple of days so the wicket might crumble quickly. That will bring Nathan Lyon into the contest at Days 4 and 5," he added.

Under the management of McCullum, the Stokes-led England have obtained wins in 11 of their 13 outings and will be gunning to clinch the Ashes 2023. On the other hand, the recently crowned World Test Championship 2021-23 winners Australia will be eyeing to counter the aggressive approach and reclaim the trophy in England.