Warner rues poor early power play overs

Sydney - Australia opener David Warner has rued his side's poor starts with bat and ball in the second ODI against South Africa, after they lost by 142 runs at the Wanderers.

It put the Aussies two nil down in the series, and the rookie pace attack, medium pace according to the commentators, was no match for Faf du Plessis and company.

The Proteas recorded 361 runs thanks to Du Plessis' century, but they also got off to a very fast start and lost no wickets in the power play. Their own bowlers then removed the Oz top order with ease.

Warner said after the game: "We didn't start well. We always talk about trying to start well with the bat and the ball in the first 10.

"We lacked that a bit today and I think our energy and intent was probably lacking. But look when a team puts 360 on the board, it's always going to be a tough chase.

"You have to start positive and try not to lose too many wickets in the first 10. It's unfortunate today but we've got another chance to come back and show up again in Durban."

Proteas skipper Du Plessis pointed out that a lack of genuine pace, namely Mitchell Starc, was very helpful to his batsmen. They only had to contend with rookies Chris Tremain and Joe Mennie.

Du Plessis said: "You throw Starc back into that team, it's completely different. He's proven many times he gets wickets, he's got that extra pace.

"He's extremely good to the tail-enders. He gets the ball to reverse.

"In the West Indies he did that to us twice, came in and just rolled over the tail. Extra pace in all formats is a weapon that a captain wants to have in his side."

But Warner countered: "You've got to play the cards that you're dealt and at the moment we've got two young guys making their debut.

"We do have a young attack but they've done everything they can to be here and be in this position to play for the country. It's going to be a learning experience for them especially today.

"They have to go back and reflect on what they can do better, especially in the first 10. With Starcy and them out, it is what it is.

"We have to deal with it and we can only control what we can at the moment and that's with the guys that we have."