Australia's David Warner plays a shot during a one-day cricket practice match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane on Monday — AFP BRISBANE, May 06 (AFP): David Warner hit a quickfire 39 and Steve Smith 22 Monday in their first appearance for Australia since a major ball-tampering scandal as the home team edged a second-string New Zealand by one wicket in a practice match.
The Australians were set a target of 216 at Allan Border Field in Brisbane as they warm up for their World Cup defence, and scraped home with 10 balls to spare thanks to a tail-end rescue act.
They have now won nine one-dayers in a row, although this was an unofficial game and not counted as a full international.
Skipper Aaron Finch continued his rich vein of form with a measured 52, but fellow opener Usman Khawaja fell cheaply-bringing Warner to the crease, to warm applause from the crowd.
He survived a dropped catch on nought before clicking into gear and turning on the form that saw him average 69.20 in 12 innings in the Indian Premier League.
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