Warner could hit triple ton

Warner could hit triple ton

Australian skipper Michael Clarke hopes David Warner or one of the team's other blasters will become the first player to notch 300 runs in a one-day international.

Warner blasted 178 off 133 balls to inspire Australia to a 275-run World Cup victory over Afghanistan at the WACA Ground on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old was eventually dismissed in the 38th over, robbing him of the chance to post an even bigger score.

Rohit Sharma holds the ODI record for the highest score after making 264 against Sri Lanka last year, while just last week Chris Gayle blasted 215 against Zimbabwe.

With a number of team totals surpassing 400 at this World Cup, Clarke says an individual total of 300 isn't out of the question.

"I can guarantee you I won't make 300 in a one-day international," Clarke said with a laugh.

"But someone like Davey, or Chris Gayle, or AB de Villiers - on a smaller ground I think they possibly could.

"You would probably have to open the batting so you have the full 50 overs.

"But in this game at the moment, who knows?

"We are seeing so many different shots, different deliveries, so much power.

"There is handful of players around the world who probably could do it.

"Hopefully it's one of the Australians, not somebody against Australia that goes out and makes 300."

Australia posted a World Cup record score of 6-417 on Wednesday before skittling Afghanistan for 142 in 37.3 overs.

Clarke was due to bat at No.4, but those plans changed after Warner and Steve Smith combined for an Australian-record 260-run stand.

Glenn Maxwell (88 off 39 balls), James Faulkner, and Mitch Marsh were all promoted ahead of Clarke, with the skipper failing to get a bat in the end.

It means Clarke has batted just once this tournament - when he made 12 in last week's loss to New Zealand.

The 33-year-old, who only recently returned from hamstring surgery, said he demoted himself for the betterment of the team.

"There was no doubt I wanted to bat, but I thought it was in the best interests of the team (to send others in)," Clarke said.

"I kept my pads on. I was in next until about 11 or 12 overs to go.

"I thought there was an opportunity for us to really have a crack at that World record."

Veteran all-rounder Shane Watson was axed for Wednesday's match, and he's no certainty to return for Sunday's crunch clash with Sri Lanka at the SCG.

"I thought Watto handled (his axing) really well," Clarke said.

"It's obviously a tough decision for the selectors."

HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL ODI SCORES


  • 264 - Rohit Sharma for India against Sri Lanka in 2014


  • 219 - Virender Sehwag for India against West Indies in 2011


  • 215 - Chris Gayle for West Indies against Zimbabwe in 2015


  • 209 - Rohit Sharma for India against Australia in 2013


  • 200no - Sachin Tendulkar for India against South Africa in 2010