AUSTRALIA opener David Warner understands the selectors’ decision to overlook him for the one-day captaincy for tomorrow’s clash with Sri Lanka, insisting he can do without the added pressure as he looks to get back among the runs. With skipper Michael Clarke to miss at least one-match due to a hamstring injury, selectors preferred to hand the reins to former skipper Ricky Ponting rather than inexperienced vice-captain Warner.
Asked if he was disappointed to have been overlooked, Warner said: “Definitely not. I’m just happy I’m playing another one-day game for Australia – that’s the main thing.”
He added: “I haven’t had a great start to the one-day series and I’m just looking to put numbers on the board.
“As the selectors have said, they don’t want to put any extra pressure on myself and I felt the same thing.
“I took that on board and I thoroughly respect their decision.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying my role behind Michael and obviously appointing Ricky as captain is probably due to his experience.
“It’s an opportunity for me to be under him as well. He’s led the country for many years and I’m looking forward to being his vice.”
All-rounder Shane Watson backed the decision to hand Ponting the captaincy for today’s game.
“I’m not surprised because Ricky Ponting’s had an amazing amount of success and experience as captain,” he said when asked if he thought Warner would have been a better option. (PA Sport)