As Gambhir rages, Australia coach Justin Langer hails David Warner’s controversial six against Pakistan

Dubai: While former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has castigated Australian opener David Warner for smashing Pakistan spinner Mohammad Hafeez’s delivery, which had bounced twice, over the mid-wicket fence for a six, during their T20 World Cup semifinal here on November 11, Aussie coach Justin Langer showered praise on his batter saying, “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in cricket”.

Gambhir had made his displeasure known on social media after Warner hit a double-bounce delivery for a six during Australia’s semifinal win over Pakistan, terming it “absolutely pathetic”” and slamming the opener for lack of sportsmanship.

But Australian coach Langer told Sportsday on Friday that, “It’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen in cricket. How he had the instincts in a semifinal and the ball bounces twice… how he hit it over the fence for six was unbelievable. He then missed one and walked off (despite being given out caught behind) which was unbelievable, the atmosphere was incredible and it was a great result.

“David Warner is like having (boxers) Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather in your team — a two in one. He just does his thing and we back him in and keep our arms around him. He’s been brilliant. He’s elite fit at the moment which tells me he’s hungry and he’s playing beautifully as well so let’s hope he has one more good (innings in him),” added Langer.

On Friday, Gambhir had slammed Warner — who played a key role in Australia beating Pakistan by scoring 49 off 30 deliveries –, saying he did not think twice before dispatching the ball over the fence, before it was called a no ball and a free-hit awarded.

“What an absolutely pathetic display of spirit of the game by Warner! #Shameful What say @ashwinravi99? (Ravichandran Ashwin’s twitter account),” tweeted Gambhir.

Australia will face New Zealand in the final, scheduled to be played on Sunday (November 14).