For a long time now, David Warner has been labeled with terms such as a “flat track bully” and other deceiving terms which significantly undermine his talent. For someone who already has 19 tons in just 65 Tests, such derogatory remarks seem extremely unjustified and uncalled. Already considered among the future legends, the southpaw has been a vital cog in Australia’s scheme of things.
The precise reason behind calling out Warner with such terms has been his dismal record in Asia. The opener has been all at sea in conditions that even assist the spinners to a minute extent. More than his technique, there seem to be blocked in his mind regarding his approach, which ultimately leads to his downfall every time.
Despite losing the first Test at Dhaka, Warner can look back at the game with some pride, as if it wasn’t for his resilient ton in the fourth innings on a rank turner, Australia would have been further humiliated. Thereby, it wasn’t surprising to know that Warner rated the knock as the best of his career.
“I always talk about my defence taking care of itself if I am having that attacking approach,” Warner said. “When things aren’t going my way, I’ve thought of defending rather than trying to set myself a platform looking to score. It is about trusting my game, and that is having that attacking approach with defence at the back of my mind.” “I probably tinkered with it a lot over the last couple of years in these conditions and just didn’t nail the basics of what I do best – attacking and then defending.”
“In a fourth innings in the subcontinent,” Warner said, “I proved to myself that I am capable of doing it on turning tracks as well with that positive mindset and energy in the legs. That’s the key to getting down the wicket, lunging forward and launching back and not getting caught in between,” the southpaw further added.
Elaborating about his mindset while batting on the testing Asian shores, he said:
“Always in these conditions, especially for me with the new ball, I get caught on the crease.” “It’s basically about decision-making, whether to commit forward or back. That in between length – if you get out lbw or bowled – that is your own fault and there is no excuse.”