Warner still hungry with an eye on England in 2023

News

Opener hints he might stay for another Ashes tour while also targeting victory in India

Australia opener David Warner has hinted that he might want another crack at winning an Ashes series in England in 2023.
Warner turned 35 in October during the T20 World Cup when he was player of the tournament in Australia’s triumph and he will be nearing 37 by the time the next away series against England rolls around.
But after Australia wrapped up the home Ashes series 3-0 inside 12 days at the MCG yesterday, Warner suggested there were still a few things he would like to accomplish before he stops playing Test cricket.

“We still haven’t beaten India in India,” Warner said. “That would be nice to do. And obviously, England away, we had a drawn series [in 2019], but hopefully, if I managed to get that chance and opportunity, I might think about going back.”

Warner has played 13 Tests across three series in England and eight Tests in two trips to India but Australia have lost four of those five series and Warner has lean records in both nations, averaging 26 and 24 respectively without a century, something that he would clearly like to rectify.

He sees age as no barrier having silenced his doubters following sterling performances across the T20 World Cup and the first three Tests of this series.

“I think James Anderson sets the benchmark for older guys these days,” Warner said. “We look up to him as we’re getting on in our days. But for me, it’s about performing to the best of my ability and putting runs on the board. In the first two Tests, I actually look like a proper batsman, it’s almost like I’ve played my career the other way and had to knuckle down and respect the bowling and the line and lengths that they were bowling and obviously, the hundred eluded me.

“I feel in good touch. As I said, I was out of runs not out of form, so hopefully, I can put some more numbers on the board leading into this new year.”

Warner made it clear that Australia aren’t satisfied with just securing the Ashes at home. The team is already looking forward to upcoming tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka which will be vital in their quest to reach the next World Championship final, an opportunity they missed earlier this year after last summer’s defeat to India at home.

“Those [tours] will really show where we are as a team and our character,” Warner said. “When you go to the subcontinent, you potentially could play two spinners. And then the selectors look at the batting line-ups with who they feel is probably going to be better on the subcontinent wickets and who’s not. There are going to be some brave decisions being made. But we’re looking forward to that.”

Warner was pleased to see his opening partner Marcus Harris amongst the runs in Melbourne after a lean start to the series and the pair are determined to forge a strong partnership together.

“Awesome to see Harry score some runs,” Warner said. “He is a tough tenacious fella. We gel well together when we’re out there. Obviously, a minor hiccup last game but that’s what happens in cricket can happen. His courage to keep fighting and working ways out to score runs when bowlers are bowling these good lines and lengths, he fought it out well. I’m really, really pleased for him.

“When he’s looking to score and I’m looking to score, I think our defence takes care of itself and we’ll be in and amongst the runs in the next two Tests.”

Alex Malcolm is an Associate Editor at ESPNcricinfo

Source: ESPN Crickinfo

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *