Australian power-hitter Tim David has been in sublime form in T20Is. In the Caribbean, he managed to pull off a blistering ton, and in the first T20I against South Africa in Darwin, he pulled Australia out of trouble by scoring a substantial 83-run innings, which helped his team win the game.
Earlier in the year, David was also part of the Indian Premier League-winning side Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Coming down the order, David played crucial knocks throughout the season and helped RCB nick off close games. Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin claimed that he did flag a few franchises about David.
“I shouldn’t say this, but I told the decision makers of a few IPL teams to pick him before the last auction. They all said, ‘No, his game has dropped off drastically.’ I believe the future of T20 cricket is going to be having tall batters with long levers and strong build. They are going to rule the roost if there are no changes brought to the wide line,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“A player RCB picked up at base price (₹3 crore) has taken his game to the next level. It’s good to see Australia sending him up the order. A real steal for RCB,” Ashwin added.
‘David uses the Dre Russ bat’
Intriguingly, David was seen wielding an SS Ton blade marked in the name of West Indies colossus Andre Russell who retired from international cricket after the previous T20I between the sides.
“I’ve spent a lot of time working on power hitting, but now I’m working on my shot selection. I’ve been carrying that Dre Russ bat around for a year, and it felt like it was the best time to use it,” David said at the post-match presentation ceremony after century in West Indies in the 3rd T20I.
“Was just having a great time in the middle playing for Australia. It was nice to have a period at home and get my body right. I didn’t think I would get the opportunity to get a hundred for Australia, so I’m stoked,” David added.
