Warner shines as nine-man Australia flex muscle with dominant warm-up triumph

Australia have issued a warning to opposition teams at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup with a clinical seven-wicket victory over Namibia in their opening warm-up fixture in Trinidad on Tuesday.

Despite having a host of stars that have failed to arrive in the Caribbean as yet and being forced to use a group of their coaches in the field as substitute fielders, the 2021 T20 World Cup champions looked in good touch as they chased down Namibia's total of 119/9 in dominant fashion with 10 overs remaining with a quickfire half-century from David Warner (54*).

Mitch Marsh's men were shorthanded because only nine of their World Cup squad have arrived in Port of Spain.

Warner smashed six fours and a trio of massive sixes at the Port of Spain venue, facing just 21 deliveries in an excellent sign for the Aussies after the left-hander struggled for consistency during the recent IPL.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood (2/5) set the tone with a superb opening spell that netted three maidens, while first-choice spinner Adam Zampa (3/25) bowled well yet again as Namibia only snuck past 100 courtesy of some decent late hitting from Zane Green (38).

Australia openers Mitchell Marsh and Warner had 39 on the board inside three overs in reply and the loss of Marsh for 18 and stand-in No.3 Josh Inglis (5) allowed Tim David (23) to arrive at the crease as the Aussies kept the runs flowing by scoring boundaries at ease.

David fell in the ninth over to Bernard Scholtz (2/16), but Matthew Wade (12*) and Warner kept the momentum going as Australia claimed the victory with ease.

Earlier in the day, the warm-up fixture between the USA and Bangladesh in Dallas was cancelled due to rain and the Netherlands registered an impressive 20-run triumph over Sri Lanka in Florida.