Josh Hazlewood came back after a three-month break and took two wickets for five runs, while David Warner scored a half century as Australia comfortably defeated Namibia by seven wickets in a Twenty20 World Cup warm-up match in Trinidad.
Hazlewood, the paceman, mentioned that it had been over seven years since he had last taken such a long break, but he performed well with three maiden overs out of his four. "We didn't have a full squad, but the players who participated, a few of us probably needed to after a long hiatus," he stated after the match on Tuesday. "I know many bowlers were coming off a lengthy break, which is uncommon in our system, but it's beneficial to get out there; playing is always different from training."
Due to the absence of some players who were part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Australia only had nine of their squad members available, with head selector George Bailey also fulfilling a role as a substitute fielder.
Warner, who is set to retire from international cricket after the World Cup, recovered from a hand injury during the IPL and contributed with a swift 54 not out as Australia chased down Namibia's total of 119-9. "He always delivers in these tournaments, as we are aware," Hazlewood commented. "We anticipate nothing but impressive performances from Warner once again. He appeared comfortable on what seemed to be a challenging pitch and timed his shots well from the beginning. I think his hand is nearly healed as he fielded and batted throughout the entire game, so it must be progressing well."
Spinner Adam Zampa also stood out for Australia, claiming 3-25 from his four overs. The Australian team will continue their preparations with another warm-up match against co-hosts West Indies in Port of Spain on Friday, before commencing their campaign against Oman in Barbados on June 5.
