David Warner was seen doing a crossword on the Lord’s balcony as the Australian opener relaxes as Steve Smith & Co pile on the runs in the second Ashes Test
Jonny Bairstow digs into a sudoku puzzle, Marnus Labuschagne enjoys forty winks.
And now cricket fans have learned what David Warner does to relax while his teammates are puckering: a crossword puzzle.
Warner, who had his best score in England since 2015 on Wednesday with a swift 66 runs, was spotted on the Lord’s balcony as his teammates praised Steve Smith for his sublime century on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test.
As the players returned to their seats, the veteran opener pulled out a thick book of crossword puzzles and returned to the task at hand.
Bairstow has publicly stated how a few sudoku games help ease his nerves and allow him to focus before hitting the crease.
David Warner attempted a crossword during the second Ashes Test on Thursday
The veteran opener watched as Steve Smith scored a century for Australia
“We have to hand in our phones at competitions because of the anti-corruption rules,” he said in 2016. “I think puzzles are a great way to pass the time.
“Some players sleep quite a bit, but little brain teasers allow me to stay busy and keep my mind busy, keep an eye on the game and support my teammates.”
One such player who likes to take a nap is Labuschagne, who was caught sleeping when Warner lost his wicket in the World Test Championship final against India earlier this month.
Labuschagne was startled from sleep, grabbed his bat and helmet, and made his way to the Oval field—where he scored 41 runs.