Michael Hussey has called for reduced expectations on David Warner, Australia's new wonder boy, after his explosive start to his international career. Warner starred in the opening Twenty20 game in Melbourne, blasting 89 from 43 balls, and was catapulted briefly in to movie-star celebrity, but was bowled by Dale Steyn for 7 off 12 in the second match in Brisbane on Tuesday.
Hussey said Warner was dealing well with the extra attention caused by his breakthrough innings on debut and was impressed with his attitude. "He's fine," Hussey said. "He's just been on a real high the whole week.
"He's a pretty level headed guy, nothing affects him too much. I just hope people don't put too much pressure on the guy. He's just a young guy who enjoys playing in an exciting way."
Warner, a left-handed opener, is 22 and still to make his first-class debut, but his sharp rise continued with him being added to the one-day squad as a standby player for Michael Clarke. Clarke, the vice-captain, was due to have his injured right thumb assessed in Melbourne on Wednesday after missing both the Twenty20 victories against South Africa.
The first of the five CB Series matches begins on Friday and if Clarke is ruled out Warner's eventful week will continue. However, he could also be heading back to grade cricket and New South Wales Twenty20 appointments.
"He knows how he wants to play and that's a pretty good start," Hussey said. "Hopefully it's a long journey for him. I'm sure there are going to be lots of ups and downs, like any player, but he plays an exciting brand and I hope he can continue to play in that sort of mould."
After the Melbourne game Warner was counselled by senior players about the instant stardom and Hussey said he would offer his advice on dealing with the fame. "I think he's learning pretty quickly about what it's like."