A David Warner masterclass has set up Australia's 31-run win over the West Indies in the T20 international at the Gabba but the clean hitting of No.6 batsman 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 return catch to dismiss opener Kyle Mayers.
Earlier, Warner (75 off 41 balls) had given Australia's innings its impetus in typical cavalier style before 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 No.4, 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.
Warner said Australia would have Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell as finishers in the World Cup, but added that David's "incredible" skills displayed at the Gabba posed a question.
"Where does he fit in the line-up as well and what is his role? Coming out and playing that role perfectly when it was a hard (Gabba) wicket to start on really opens our eyes to how we utilise that," he said.
"For Mumbai, he came out and got 30s and 40s off eight or nine balls. It is incredible. You don't get these types of players every day.
"It is going to be good for us moving forward. Hopefully, there is a spot there (for David) as well. The selectors have got a headache now I think."
Australia opened with allrounder 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 it's yet to reap dividends.
Allrounder Maxwell has managed just eight runs in his past five T20 internationals but he was unlucky to be run out for one after a mix-up with Smith.
The batting and allrounder positions 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.
