Shane Warne not impressed with Australia’s ‘conservative approach’ in World Cup 2019

While the analysts have kept a close watch more on the performances of hosts England and two-time champions India in the ongoing ICC World Cup, defending champions Australia have not been too far back. An outfit that had quite an ordinary 2018 and hit some form only around February-March this year to beat India and Pakistan in consecutive series, Australia have been doing well in their mission to defend the trophy. On Thursday, they were playing Bangladesh and looked to dominate the opponents in yet another game.

However, not all yet convinced. Former Australian spin wizard Shane Warne took to Twitter on Thursday to express his reservations over the approach that Aaron Finch’s men took against Bangladesh at Trent Bridge. Even though opener David Warner hit a big hundred and added 121 runs with his captain for the first wicket and over 150 with Usman Khawaja, the former legend felt the yellow jerseys took a “conservative approach” in the game despite the ground being small, outfield being quick and the bowlers not getting seam or spin.

Eyeing their fifth win of the tournament, Australia were set to post a big total against the Tigers but according to Warne, the team was leaving much for the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Alex Carey to accomplish. In one of his tweets, the 49-year-old said he still believed that Australia can challenge India or England for the title but not in the way they were playing in the game versus Bangladesh.

Ps I still believe Australia can challenge India & England for the World Cup trophy, but not with this game style or batting order. Australia have fire power but have decided not to use it & gone with playing conservative cricket ! Not sure why followers, it’s very strange !!!

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 20, 2019

This very conservative approach by Aust is very odd, especially on a small ground with a super quick outfield & as the ball hasn’t spun or seamed. Leaving way to much for Maxwell, Stoinis and Carey to do. Only a wicket down, Aust should be going after the bowling big time !

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) June 20, 2019

Is Warne still unhappy with Warner’s slow knock against India?

The former leg-spinner perhaps is still not happy over the fact that Warner played a slow knock of 56 in 84 balls against India at the Oval on June 9 while chasing a steep target of 353. Warner’s innings was unlike of him and it put the Aussies under a whole lot of pressure from which they could not overcome at the end.

In the game against Pakistan in Taunton, too, Australia collapsed from 189 for 1 to 307 all out despite Warner hitting a century (107 off 111). With the team yet to play against strong opponents like England and New Zealand, is Warne sending a cautionary message to the Australian batsmen?