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Ashes 2023 | 'England Unintentionally Aiding Warner' Gillespie Expects AUS Opener to Flourish

image-lje7xq42Warner got out cheaply in both innings in Birmingham (AP Photo)

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes that England's strategy of preparing flat and placid wickets for the Ashes 2023 series could benefit Australian opener, David Warner.

The opening Ashes Test witnessed a high-scoring affair, with players from both teams accumulating runs throughout the match, and the pitch displayed minimal signs of deterioration. This allowed the game to extend until the final few overs of the fifth day.

England Test skipper Ben Stokes had expressed his desire for batting-friendly surfaces before the series began, and the first Test witnessed high-scoring matches with the pitch not offering much assistance to the bowlers.

Gillespie suggests that such conditions will provide Warner, who has been struggling for runs recently, with the opportunity to overcome the challenging phase of facing the new ball and make significant contributions. He believes that Warner's difficulties in England were primarily due to the movement of the ball, and the opening batter will thrive in conditions where the ball does not swing or seam as much.

"I think England is unintentionally aiding David Warner by preparing batting-friendly pitches. Their approach of playing quickly with Bazball actually suits him. Warner struggled with the moving ball in England, but if England continues to produce surfaces like Edgbaston, I expect Warner to score plenty of runs," Jason Gillespie stated ahead of the Lord's Test.

The former seamer's assessment implies that the flat wickets being offered in the series will allow Warner to find his rhythm and regain his form. 

He believes that Warner's batting prowess will be better utilized in conditions that are less conducive to swing and seam, and this could lead to a productive summer for the Australian opener if England persists with their approach of producing flat wickets.

Nevertheless, the second Ashes Test will begin on Wednesday at the Lord's Cricket Ground, with the visitors having a 1-0 series lead.