Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson believes that Tim David has power and composure that’s very rare and could be a huge factor in Australia’s World T20 title defence later this year.
The Singapore-born Tim David has been one of the top performers in the T20 arena in the last couple of years. There have been countless calls from the cricketing fraternity to include him in the Australian T20 team for the upcoming home T20 World Cup.
David has played for Singapore before but is eligible to represent Australia and has even had a chat with Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey.
Watson, who was unveiled as the brand ambassador for the 2022 T20 World Cup down under, believes Australia needs to find a way to fit in David because of his rare skill set.
“I hadn’t really seen much of him at all up until the IPL and seeing what he did there is something that I haven’t seen for a long time. For a young guy coming in and just dominating and just hitting the ball like I haven’t really seen in the past.”
”The power that he has and the composure as well under pressure situations is something that’s very, very rare. So you just find a way,”
he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo..
Watson experienced the David mayhem from up close as Delhi Capitals’ assistant coach when the power-hitter hammered 11-ball 34 to take Mumbai Indians home when 65 off 31 were required at one point.
David has continued to wreak havoc in the Vitality T20 Blast to help Lancashire reach finals day. He has smashed 387 runs from 15 innings at a magnificent strike rate of 180.
The player was not picked for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, but skipper Aaron Finch assured that the 26-year-old will get his opportunities down the road.
“He’s such a valuable asset. Guys with that much power who can bowl a few overs, are good in the field, they will slot into a lot of T20 sides. So I think there’s going to be opportunities there no doubt,”
said Finch.
Australia are scheduled to play three T20Is against India in September and five more against West Indies and England in October ahead of the World Cup. David could get an opportunity to make his case for the world event.