Australian cricket coach Justin Langer has revealed why David Warner didn’t review a decision during the T20 World Cup Final where he appeared to be caught behind, despite not hitting the ball.
Warner was thought to have edged a ball off the bowling of Shadab Khan in the 11th over, walking off and accepting his fate on 49.
However, replays show a gap between bat and ball, and with no spike on UltraEdge, the opener would have been given a reprieve had he chosen to review.
Speaking to Sportsday, Langer said Warner and batting partner Glenn Maxwell both heard a noise.
“I think it was just the noise,” Langer said.
“Then he looked up at Maxi (Maxwell), and they said there was a noise, but you know when you hit it.
“I don’t know what he was thinking.
“Even he walked off and then he saw the replay and then about five overs later Maxi walked up to us, I wasn’t sure whether he was going to give him a hug or Davey was going to smack him, it was all happening up there.”
The Australian coach was asked what Maxwell said to Warner at the time, replying: “Well Maxi thought he smashed it, and so did the umpire.”
“It’s actually bizarre, because in my experience you always know if you hit it or you don’t hit it,” he continued.
“Maybe it was the extra noise, maybe it was the atmosphere, I honestly don’t know what happened there.
“It’s all part of the drama now, it all worked out well in the end.”
Warner’s dismissal looked like it may cost the Australians the game at different points of the contest, however middle-order batters Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis were able to get the victory with an over to spare and five wickets in hand.
Australia will play New Zealand in the final on Monday morning (AEDST), where Warner will hope to continue his good run of form.
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