David Warner hits a stunning strike in the Cricket World Cup clash against the Netherlands… but was he lucky to survive that ‘missed’ catch?

David Warner turned back the years with a sumptuous 104-run win to give Australia control of their Cricket World Cup clash with the Netherlands.

But as always with an experienced start, it was not without controversy.

Warner was somewhat lucky not to be back in the stable after Roelof van der Merwe appeared to make a stunning catch to release him from the reserves on Wednesday.

The Dutch were outraged when Warner refused to go despite initially being ejected, and the on-field umpires sent the decision up for the third umpire to review.

However, upon closer inspection, Van der Merwe was supported by the ground while grabbing the ball in India, meaning Warner survived.

David Warner scored a brilliant century to give Australia control of the World Cup game

But the experienced opener was somewhat lucky to survive a ‘dropped’ catch in India

But it was an ironic moment considering the Australians argued that a similar “catch” taken by Mitchell Starc during the Ashes should have been given out.

Starc used the ground to catch Ben Duckett during the Test series this summer and the umpire felt it was not a legal catch.

Australians were in uproar over the incident, with cricket star Glenn McGrath strongly criticizing the decision.

“If England makes the catch, it’s out!” he said.

“England has the best conditions and now they get the best rules.” This is the biggest amount of rubbish I have ever seen.

“If that’s not out, every catch I’ve ever seen shouldn’t be out. “That’s a disgrace.”

Jonny Bairstow waded into the debate this week, claiming the Australians had made a number of “illegal” catches during the Ashes.

He doubted whether the ball hit the ground before Steve Smith controlled it and dismissed Joe Root on the second day at Lord’s.

Bairstow also questioned whether Marnus Labuschagne had caught Harry Brook cleanly in the second innings of the first Test at Edgbaston.

The incident was eerily similar to the Mitch Starc incident that enraged Australia in the Ashes

“There’s conjecture about everything,” he said.

“Finger under the ball while the ball is still touching the ground.” There is a celebration when the ball touches the ground. Marnus celebrated in the short game at Edgbaston.

“Then the one that ‘Rooty’ fell victim to at Lord’s when (Smith) said his fingers were under the ball.” However, they were wide spread.

“But that was issued, that’s fine – it’s an integral part of the game and the decisions the referees make.”