David Warner man of the series

David Warner was awarded man of the test cricket series against South Africa but Travis Head would have been a more deserving winner.

Warner scored 213 runs in four innings, 200 of them coming in the first innings at Melbourne. This was a match-winning performance and he was justifiably recognised for this.

Travis Head also scored 213 runs from more limited opportunities, including 92 on a green top at Brisbane which set Australia up to win the series.

He also took a handy wicket in Sydney which kept Australia in the game.

I admire Warner for his attacking style of play. He was a successor to Adam Gilchrist in keeping the entertainment value in test cricket.

But I think that Warner is nearing the end of his career and he was lucky to receive the award for man of the series.

Australian captain Pat Cummins said even David Warner was surprised.

When asked about the decision following the drawn Sydney Test, his skipper Cummins first laughed.

“He (Warner) said it himself – ‘oh, that’s surprising’,” Cummins said.

“I heard someone say it was (very close) between a few different players and Davey got it in the end.”

There are some conspiracy theories that Warner won the award because he’s been announced as a future Fox Sports commentator.

I don’t necessarily subscribe to that view but seriously question the decision. In a three-test series, judges should look at all performances, not just one.

Head was consistent and so was captain Pat Cummins, who took 12 wickets at 16.91.

They might have also considered Steve Smith, who scored 231 runs at 57.75 with a highest score of 104.

I suspect that Warner is just as surprised as everybody else that he won man of the series.