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Australian batter Tim David has made a name for himself in the shortest format of the game with his ability to smash massive sixes and take on the opposition bowling attack at will. David exhibited his six-hitting skills during the third T20I between Australia and India on Sunday (25 September). The swashbuckling batter put on a show as he smashed 54 runs off just 27 balls and helped Australia post a hefty total on the board.
With David consistently dishing out runs for Australia, former Australian great Adam Gilchrist as well as Mark Waugh believe that the batter must be included in the Playing XI for the T20 World Cup Down Under. Both the former cricketers said that with David possessing a special ability to take on an attack, he would be the man teams will be afraid of.
"Tim David should have a place in that XI," ICC quoted Gilchrist as saying. "His power and the way he has taken it on...and seeing what we have seen from him over the last 18 months all around the world, it is really in all different conditions and they (opposition teams) will fear him coming in. It is a role that Australia have never really tried to fill, having someone who knows they are only going to get 15 or 20 balls (to make an impact)," he added.
Waugh echoed Gilchrist's sentiments, although the former champion right-hander said much can change between now and the start of the tournament in mid-October. "I have got Tim David in the XI at this stage. That could change with form, but that looks a pretty good side to me," Waugh noted.
However, when asked about who will make way for David in the XI, Gilchrist felt the pressure will be on Marcus Stoinis, Waugh said that Steve Smith will have to sit out to accommodate the stylish batter.
Notably, Australia toured India without a few of their T20I regulars like Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh, and David Warner. All these players are a part of Australia’s T20 World Cup squad and are expected to walk in straight away when available. Meanwhile, Cameron Green has increased the management’s problems by amassing plenty of runs in the three-match series.
