Daredevils coach not surprised by Warner's heroics

Sydney, Jan 13 (IANS) Australia's Twenty20 specialist Dave Warner might be a revelation for many after his blitzkrieg against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), but Delhi Daredevils coach Greg Shipperd is least surprised.

Warner, who in his international debut hit a swashbuckling 89 off 43 balls when he opened the batting Sunday night, was snapped up by Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils a month ago.

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While Warner's market price has probably soared after his heroics, Shipperd already had his man.

It is understood Warner signed a two-year deal with Delhi for about $300,000 a year - a far cry from when he earned just $400 a week for cutting concrete last year.

'That's why we got him,' Shipperd was quoted as saying in Sydney Morning Herald when asked if he realised just how explosive the 22-year-old left-hander was.

'Anyone who can score 165 not out in a Ford Ranger Cup match off negligible balls (112) knows how to hit a cricket ball.

'I watched him at the Centre Of Excellence earlier in the year and saw him get a hundred in front of my own eyes - I know what he's capable of. He can certainly hit a ball with great power.

'He's a super talent.'