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Glenn Maxwell leaps to defence of struggling David Warner as his poor form continues

Alex ConradNCA NewsWire
Glenn Maxwell believes people can doubt David Warner at their own peril, as the batsman’s horror run of form continued. BCCI-Sportzpics
Camera IconGlenn Maxwell believes people can doubt David Warner at their own peril, as the batsman’s horror run of form continued. BCCI-Sportzpics Credit: Supplied

David Warner’s horror run of form in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup has continued, but Australian star Glenn Maxwell believes you can never count out the struggling batsman.

In Australia’s warm-up clash against New Zealand on Tuesday morning, Warner exited for a first-ball duck, having edged a delivery from Tim Southee to Martin Guptill in the slips, while Maxwell and Josh Hazlewood were both rested for the match.

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For Warner, it’s been hardly ideal preparation, as he was also axed from his Indian Premier League side Sunrisers Hyderabad, having mustered up two runs in two games for the team.

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Despite the run drought from one of Australia’s most experienced and explosive stars, Maxwell has no concerns over Warner’s recent form and knows he’ll be ready to fire once their World Cup campaign begins.

“If you ever doubt Davie, it’s an absolute no-no,” Maxwell said.

“You know he’s going to turn it around; he’s a superstar in all three formats, he’s made so many runs.

“He’s going to go down as one of the greats of the game.

“Unfortunately, he got Martin Guptill’d yesterday, with an absolute hanger. Gups seems to do that a lot against us.

“Those sorts of things happen when you’re searching for it, but you know when he gets out there, come game time, regardless of what happens next practice game, you know he’s going to hit the ground running and he’s going to be a big player for us.”

Despite Warner’s disappointing showings of late at the crease, a potential debutant thrust his name into the headlines after securing the winning runs in Australia’s warm-up match.

Josh Inglis, who earned his maiden call-up to an Australian squad after stellar showings on the English domestic scene, hit two fours in as many balls batting at nine to hand the Aussies an important win.

The 26-year-old is also a wicketkeeper, and given regular gloveman Matthew Wade was out for nought after two balls, Inglis’ brief innings only served to help his case.

Maxwell labelled the rising star as “an absolute sponge”, and believes Inglis’ willingness to learn from the squad has gained admirers and respect from all.

“He’s been brilliant,” Maxwell said. “He’s an absolute sponge.

“He’s just so keen to learn, so keen to get involved with everything.

“He doesn’t play a lot of golf … we’re a pretty heavy golfing crew and he’s come along to all the rounds of golf and just joined in, asked a bunch of questions.

“He’s got a great work ethic and we’ve all seen what he’s done during the Big Bash, the skills he’s had.

“We all know what he does, we all know he’s a skilful guy, but the way he’s come over here … tried to learn as quick as he can, asked a lot of questions. I’ve been really impressed with the way he goes about things.

“We knew he was a good fella, but the way he’s trained and worked hard has been outstanding.”

Maxwell was unable to confirm if he would play a part in Australia’s final warm-up match against India on Wednesday night (AEDT), but he’ll no doubt be looking to carry his fine form from the IPL into the T20 World Cup, as the Aussies begin their journey on October 23 against South Africa.

Originally published as Glenn Maxwell leaps to defence of struggling David Warner as his poor form continues

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