A David Warner masterclass set up Australia's 31-run win over the West Indies in the T20 international at the Gabba but the clean hitting of number six batter Tim David will have the most implications for the World Cup.
The West Indies, restricted to 8-147, were always off the pace chasing Australia's 7-178.
Australian left-armer Mitchell Starc (4-20 off four) returned career-best figures and pulled off a screamer of a caught and bowled to dismiss opener Kyle Mayers (6) — having just been launched for a massive six down the ground.
Earlier Warner (75 off 41 balls) had given Australia's innings its impetus in typical cavalier style but David (42 off 20) showcased what an outstanding finisher he is with three sixes in a powerhouse cameo.
David and Steve Smith, who came in at number four, are both in Australia's T20 World Cup squad and could be battling it out for one regular spot in the middle order.
Smith (17 off 16) struggled at the end of the innings, whereas David thrived and put pressure on Australia's selectors.
The Mumbai Indians signed the 26-year-old for $1.5 million at the 2022 IPL auction to signify how highly regarded the Singapore-born right-hander is as a T20 finisher.
Australia opened with all-rounder Cameron Green, as they did in the T20 clash on Wednesday night, but he managed just one.
Green's stint as an opener worked a treat in India on the recent tour but on faster, bouncier pitches in Australia is yet to reap dividends.
All-rounder Glenn Maxwell has managed just eight runs in his past five T20 games for Australia but he was unlucky to be run out for one after a mix-up with Smith.
It is the batting and all-rounder positions that will be the most hotly contested for Australia at the World Cup with pace trio Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins already in strong form and certainties of selection.
The West Indies will be buoyed ahead of their World Cup qualifiers by the performance of paceman Alzarri Joseph (3-21 off four) who troubled most of the batsmen with his pace and bounce.
Warner was in supreme form. He has always enjoyed the ball coming onto the bat at the Gabba and was able to free his arms to play his trademark pull shots and slashes through the covers.
Most notably, the 35-year-old launched one effortless sweep over the fine leg boundary from a Jason Holder slower ball.
Australia now head to Perth to take on England in the first of three T20Is as the World Cup prep continues apace.
AAP/ABC
