David Warner of Australia celebrates on reaching a century during play on the first day of the first cricket test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth, Australia. (AP)Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy has backed veteran opener David Warner to keep playing Test cricket for “one more year” after his match-winning century at the Perth against Pakistan in the first Test.
Healy feels the 164 Warner scored in the first innings helped Australia win the Perth Test.
“That 160 he made in the first innings won us a Test in Perth,” Healy said on SEN Breakfast.
“It wasn’t easy. I looked at it from afar on Thursday afternoon and I said, ‘Oh, jeez, I wouldn’t like to be Pakistan’, they are going to feel about a foot shorter than they actually are tomorrow afternoon not knowing how difficult the conditions were.
“Maybe Pakistan missed the trick in the first session (on Day 1), bowling too short, but I don’t know of anyone else that can make 160 that quick in tough conditions.
“I like the way Michael Slater made tough second innings batting conditions look. Mark Waugh could also make a mockery out of tough conditions, but David Warner was outstanding.”
The 37-year-old is playing his farewell series and Healy thinks Warner can still go on and play Test cricket for another year.
“What I love about him is his durability,” Healy said.
“We all know how fit he must be because he’s maintained his pace between wickets.
“I just love the way that he kept going and his feet moved.
“This is the bit I agree about Mitchell Johnson and what he said about, ‘Why have a swansong, your last three years hasn’t been very good and now you’re picking the way you can retire’.
“But if he bats like that, he can go another year for mine until he doesn’t want to play anymore.
“That’s what he’s been missing in Test cricket, that footwork, balance and real bat speed when he needed it.”
The second Test between Australia and Pakistan will be played at the MCG, starting on December 26.
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