IND vs AUS: I Will Not Come Under Virat Kohli’s Instigation; Will Answer With Bat -David Warner

Australia star opener David Warner said that he will not come at Virat Kohli’s instigation during the series against India, but will respond by scoring runs with his bat. India has three ODIs and three T20Is and four Test matches to play in Australia. Warner said that he had adopted the same strategy on the last visit to India as well.

“I’ve just recently turned 34, so my days are numbered when you’re in the 30s. There’s obviously a risk element but there’s obviously a cricket-smart element to it as well,” Warner said ahead of the limited-overs series against India starting with the first ODI on November 27.

I’ll always draw from that mate. To try and get engaged, that’s the way they like to play as well,” he said.

“We’re learning over time, trying not to engage in that. Probably try and reverse the effect by trying and ignoring it, trying to take it on board and using it against them by using your bat,” he added.

“It’s probably something I’ve learnt over time. And you don’t know the effect it can have on your teammates as well. You’ve got to be a bit more humble in that respect.” Warner said at 34, he has become a calculated risk-taker and is focused on maintaining a strong strike rate.

“For myself, it’s about getting off to a good start and taking calculated risks in that middle-overs period if we’re talking about 50-over games,” he said.

“For me, it’s about making sure that I am batting as much as I can and at a good strike-rate as well. I think last year was probably the most disciplined I’ve batted in Test match cricket as well. I really took pride in the last 12-24 months, to apply that discipline and you keep learning as you get older…You’ve got to be on top of your game to be able to adapt to that.”

“…not get too aggressive or angry when the kids aren’t listening. For me, I am getting tested on and off the field. So, it’s about being calm and relaxed and trying to sum up the situation you’re playing in,” he said.

“And making sure, you’re taking that right risk at the right time. I think last 12-24 months, I’ve been doing that quite well,” he added.

“Make sure you’re not bringing people down with your emotions and keep trying to find ways to get better as a player and as a team player.”

In 2018, Warner and former captain Steve Smith was banned for one year on charges of ball tempering. He has since returned.

Rohit’s absence in ODIs may make a difference

Warner said that Rohit’s absence in the ODI squad would weaken India’s batting lineup. However, Virat will fill that gap. Players like Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan are still in better form.