How David Warner refocused from Ashes nightmare to better Bradman
David Warner returned from England with a series aggregate of 95 runs across five Tests. The explosive left-hander revealed how he refocused to blast 489 runs in just two innings.
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David Warner has vowed to continue a monumental riposte to his Ashes failure in the summer’s main bout against New Zealand.
Australia’s 2-0 series sweep of struggling Pakistan was expected but Warner and spearhead Mitchell Starc made red letter statements after disconcerting Ashes campaigns.
Warner returned from England with a series aggregate of 95 runs across five Tests but scored a phenomenal 489 across two digs against Pakistan including an unbeaten 335 in Adelaide.
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“It was just about focusing on what I am capable of and know I am capable of scoring runs out there. I came back here and started off with the T20s which helped that,” said Warner, flanked by Starc’s 14 wickets at 17 after managing one Ashes Test.
“We knew Pakistan would put up a fight.
“It was a great team performance, to win two in a row by an innings.”
England speedster Stuart Broad tormented Warner from around the wicket, snaring the left-hander seven times in the Ashes. Veteran Broad has praised a New Zealand attack that excels despite working on flat home pitches.
Warner concedes New Zealand’s attack comprising left-armer Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, express Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry will relish potential seam, swing and bounce with the pink ball at Perth’s OPTUS Stadium next week.
“We are coming up against a quality opposition but they have had back-to-back Test matches like us and spent some time in the field,” said Warner with New Zealand leading its Test series against England 1-0.
“Every time they come here it is a good battle. Last time we played in Perth it was a day game and at the WACA so conditions will suit their attack as they like to swing and seam the ball as well.
“We will have to see what wicket is prepared and adjust accordingly.”
Warner topped Sir Donald Bradman and Mark Taylor’s Australian record Test score of 334 but the player of the series will be straight back into training given the difference in talent between an inexperienced Pakistan attack and New Zealand.
Asked if his technique would stand up, Warner told Fox Cricket: “I would like to hope so. I will go into the nets and practice as hard as I can for their attack. I will have to see how Boultsy is from his injury cloud, see what is coming for us and do my best.”
Warner acknowledged the skies when reaching a maiden triple century in Adelaide with fallen Test teammate Phillip Hughes front of mind. Warner feels the presence of Hughes whenever he bats in the middle of a venue that has afforded four Test tons, and two in one-day battle. A maiden Twenty20 international century flowed here against Sri Lanka in October.
“For us it is a memory and reflection of our mates life coming here,” said Warner of former Test, New South Wales and South Australian batsman Hughes who died five years ago.
“It was on his birthday as well. It is always a difficult time for the guys that are close to him. It was a little thank you to him because he is always with us when we come out here. I look up to the skies to him every time I play.”
Originally published as How David Warner refocused from Ashes nightmare to better Bradman