‘Whirlwind’ Warner the new Gilchrist - media
David “Whirlwind” Warner was the new darling of the Australian media
Saturday after his rapid-fire century against India earned him
comparisons with Adam Gilchrist.
The 25-year-old cracked a sizzling unbeaten 104 on Friday as
Australia ended the opening day of the third Test at 149-0 in reply to
India’s paltry 161.
Warner brought up his century in just 69 balls, placing him equal
fourth on the list of Test cricket’s fastest tons alongside Shivnarine
Chanderpaul but behind Jack Gregory (67 balls), Gilchrist (57) and Viv
Richards (56).
Moniker
Several newspapers gave him the moniker “Whirlwind Warner” with The
Australian comparing him to Gilchrist, the attacking former left-hander
considered one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in the history of
the game.
“It might have been Adam Gilchrist reborn as David Warner smashed the
fastest century ever by a Test opener, taking the long handle to an
Indian attack short on heart and answers,” the newspaper said.
“Not since Gilchrist smashed the fastest Ashes ton ever off just 57
balls on the same ground five years ago, has an Australian ever cut so
loose in Test cricket.” Under the headline “Aussie Master Blaster”, the
West Australian heralded the team’s new hero, while having a dig at the
lacklustre Indian team.
Left-hander
“The only way India could stop the left-hander was for Umesh Yadav to
send a ball through the batsman’s helmet, flooring Warner with his score
on 80,” it said. “But, unlike some of his opponents in their innings,
Warner wanted to fight on.”
The Sydney Morning Herald was equally gushing in its praise of his
knock on a WACA ground renowned for its pace and bounce.
“Out of this world,” the newspaper said in analysing his innings.
“An awe-inspiring David Warner has all but driven the final nail in
the coffin of India’s sorry tour of Australia. “India might as well hand
over the Border-Gavaskar Trophy now,” it added. India are already 2-0
down in the four Test series.
AFP |