Veteran Australian opener David Warner opined on being at his best in the World Cups since it takes place only once every four years after his stunning century against the Netherlands on October 25 as well. Warner scored his 22nd ODI century but, more importantly, surpassed former captain Ricky Ponting to become Australia’s leading centurion in World Cups with six centuries as well. Notably, it was his second consecutive ton after 163 against Pakistan.
Speaking on Star Sports post-game, David Warner said, “For me it’s about going over there and doing my best. It so happens to be in live-play and in tournament-play and that’s what I get up for. We live for those World Cups. They’re every four years and you’ve got to really, really shine on this stage and try and emulate what I do in those bilateral series out here. To be in the same category and class with those guys is special. They’re greats of the game. For us, we grew up watching those guys. In this moment, we’re just staying present. In probably 20 years’ time or 30 years’ time, I might sit down and enjoy that.”
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However, David Warner equalled Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar for the second most World Cup centuries with six, behind only Rohit Sharma with seven as well. The veteran has an excellent World Cup record with 1,324 runs which came at an average of 63.04 and a strike rate of over 100 in 23 games.
David Warner also shared that getting in on the surfaces in India is the most challenging part as well. He, however, started the tournament with a scratchy 41 against India as well.
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“It’s about timing and rhythm and on these wickets you have to be able to allow yourself time to do that,” Warner said. I think the first game against India in Chennai, always going to be challenging, always is a challenging surface. You need to get yourself in. And I didn’t feel like I was in great rhythm, and then on to Lucknow [against South Africa] which was a great wicket but the timing wasn’t there and the ball was sort of swinging, so for me it was about going back to basics and being nice and still.”
“Still have my prelim[inary trigger movements] but I can stay still if I wanted to and just switching gears. I know I’ve got the ability to play on these wickets and in these conditions. It’s just about backing yourself and having control and batting those 50 overs,” David Warner concluded.
