David Warner Considers Middle-Order Role For Sydney Thunder in BBL

David Warner revealed he might bat in the middle order to balance the Sydney Thunder lineup.

David Warner has revealed he might bat in the middle order for the Sydney Thunder during the BBL. This would be a strategic shift for the veteran, who has opened in 382 of his 423 T20 innings.

The move is being considered to add a left-handed option to the Thunder’s middle order. Warner stated the team is currently having conversations about the tactic.

Warner explained the thinking behind the potential change. “That’s more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don’t have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we’ve been looking for. It’s a conversation we’re having at the moment,” Warner said.

He mentioned Matt Gilkes, Nic Maddinson, and Blake Nikitaras as other left-handed options in the squad. The Thunder lacked a consistent middle-order left-hander last season despite having Sherfane Rutherford.

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Warner Takes Sam Konstas Into Account

Warner also discussed young opener Sam Konstas, who is pushing for a national recall. Konstas recently scored a Shield century after a slow start to the season.

“The best form of currency is runs and he’s doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights. You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed,” Warner said.

On Konstas’s development, Warner added, “You just have to be brave. You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game,” he said. “For us, it’s about protecting him and making sure he’s enjoying the game,” Warner said.

The Thunder, who lost last season’s final to the Hobart Hurricanes, begin their new campaign in Hobart next Tuesday.