David Warner reveals struggles during ban, feared career was over

David Warner has paid tribute to his wife, revealing he feared his Australian career was over.

David Warner feared his Australian career was over, struggling to get out of bed for months after the ball-tampering saga.

Warner, 32, broke his silence on the most difficult 12 months of his life after crushing Pakistan with an emotional century that delivered Australia a 3-1 start to the World Cup in Taunton.

“There was always that (fear) going through my mind,” Warner said.

“That’s what drove me to keep being as fit as I can and to keep scoring as many runs as I can in the Twenty20 tournaments that I was playing in.

“I was always coming back to international cricket if selected.”

David Warner with wife Candice. Picture: AFP

Before Warner opened up on his fears he returned as a fearless batsman, celebrating his 15th ODI century and dedicating his international return to pregnant wife Candice.

“The thing that kept me going was my wife and my kids,” Warner said.

“My wife is just, she’s just my rock. She’s unbelievable. She’s determined, disciplined, selfless, and I hold a lot of credit to her.

“She’s a strong woman — she got me out of bed a lot in those sort of first sort of 12 weeks, and got me back running and training hard as I could.”

Candice will give birth to their third child before Australia’s final group game, which is against South Africa in Manchester on July 6.

Warner blamed himself for Australia’s collapse after holing out on 107 (111).

While Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft gave tell-all TV interviews last December, Warner stayed silent and refused to speak for the first six weeks of Australia’s World Cup campaign.

“I didn’t need to say anything,” he said.

“What was said was said back in those press conferences, and now it’s about looking forward.”

Bancroft fingered Warner as the player who asked him to tamper with the ball and Warner received a lifetime ban from holding any leadership position for Australia.

While Pakistan fans cheered Warner, he said previous crowd abuse had only made him more determined to smash runs.

Warner celebrates after scoring a century against Pakistan. Picture: AFP

Warner conceded he had “no rhythm” when he scored an unbeaten 89 against Afghanistan and was “a bit lazy” when he went out for three against West Indies.

The destructive opener told teammates he was “timid” against India, crediting their straight bowling for his sluggish half-century.

“But to come out here (against Pakistan) and play the way I know I can play was awesome,” he said.

“I was elated. It was a bit of relief in a way, but I still think I left a lot out there. You know, 70 balls to go, I probably hold myself responsible for the way we fell apart.”

Pat Cummins said the Aussies were “pumped” for their maligned teammate.

“Obviously it’s been a massive 14-15 months for him,” Cummins said.

“His mindset, he’s got to get that back. We were all so pumped for him.”

Warner is being heavily courted by Big Bash League clubs but said he was yet to open negotiations with anyone.

“I’m yet to put my hand up to see if I’m going to play,” he said.

“We’ve got obviously this World Cup to get over and the Ashes, so I’ll have to think about that.”

WARNER BY THE NUMBERS

*15th ODI century, one behind Adam Gilchrist (16). Mark Waugh (18) and Ricky Ponting (29) top Australia’s list.

*36 international centuries, drawing level with Michael Clarke and fourth on Australia’s list (which is also topped by Ponting’s 70).

*First ODI century since September, 2017

*Third consecutive century against Pakistan

*Australia’s first century at this World Cup

*Third half-century this World Cup, where he sits second on the runs list (255)