Gilly tells Warner to relax and runs will come

Published: 1:41AM Wednesday January 21, 2009 Source: AAP

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  • Gilly tells Warner to relax and runs will come  (Source: Photosport)
    Source: Photosport

Master blaster Adam Gilchrist says his pocket-sized successor David Warner must chill out in order to get the runs flowing again in Friday's one-day clash against South Africa in Sydney.

Warner's blade has cooled down since his stunning Twenty20 international debut, the Proteas having claimed his scalp for seven and five following his first-up 89 off 43 balls.

Gilchrist, the man that so often ignited Australia's innings during his 287 one-day international career, said the explosive opener must avoid the trap of trying to replicate his opening knock.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, I always felt that pressure came from within, it is not a matter of the headlines or the air time that you received," Gilchrist told Sky News.

"Obviously that initial knock of his of 80-odd off 40 balls was very exciting.

"I was there watching it and I loved it.

"It was terrific, a great spectacle but for him just try now not to think that every time he does it he has to produce that sort of result because the reality is it does not work that way.

"So for him to relax and try to stay true to the processes he normally goes through and the results will come again eventually."

NSW coach Matthew Mott said players such as Warner had to be nurtured.

"I think if he comes off one in three (innings) that is an extremely good effort at the top of the order," he said.

"That Australian side for many years relied on Gilchrist to get them away and they don't grow on trees those sorts of blokes.

"When they do come along I think you have to nurture them and just take away that fear of failure and make sure their heads are as clear as possible when they go out and (let them) bat on instinct."

Ahead of Warner's first match on his home ground in national colours, Mott said the 22-year-old simply had to come to grips with the pressures of international cricket.

"I cannot remember such a media frenzy for a player in a long time, that comes with a lot of pressure and you would not be human if you didn't feel a bit of pressure," Mott said.

"I am sure he will learn to deal with that like all good players and that is what playing at the next level is all about, that extra scrutiny and being able to perform under pressure constantly.

"That is what separates the best players from the average (Sheffield) Shield players and he'll have to cope with that pretty quickly."

The five-match one-day series against the Proteas is locked at 1-1 with Australia welcoming back a refreshed Mitchell Johnson for the SCG clash.

Meanwhile seamer Stuart Clark and opener Phil Jaques step up their campaigns for selection in Australia's tour of South Africa next month by returning to Sydney grade cricket this weekend.

They are returning from respective elbow and back injuries and have a Sheffield Shield match for NSW against Tasmania starting Friday week in Newcastle to further press their claims.

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