AUS vs PAK | Trent Woodhill has always been on my side, reveals David Warner
After his unbeaten 151 against Pakistan at the Gabba, David Warner has stated that it was down to his work done with his mentor Trent Woodhill who stood by his side in his low time. He has also credited state cricket and putting in the hard yards in the nets which came out well for him in Brisbane.
When David Warner returned to Test cricket after more than 18 months since the Newlands ball-tampering incident, his self-inflicted negativity got the better of him and the openly hostile English crowds during the Ashes did not help his cause. Although he did well to succeed in the World Cup prior to that, the round-the-wicket attack from Stuart Broad resulted in the worst Test series of Warner's career.
He needed support around him, and it came in the form of Trent Woodhill who is known for his mental counselling to many of New South Wales Stars. The comfort that Woodhill's familiarity brought to him gave him a sense of positivity as he raced away to an unbeaten 151 in Brisbane. In what was an emotional moment for him, Warner spoke about the contribution of his coach.
"You just have that reassurance from certain people that you feed off. For me, Trent Woodhill is one guy who's always been in my corner and he's always spoken to me, thrown balls to me time and time again, and tells me about being still, and if I'm doing anything wrong. I've had messages from Punter [Ricky Ponting], who I worked closely in the World Cup; he was very good. And for me, it's about having a nice balance at home. I've got a fantastic wife, great family, my parents and her parents and a good support network around me that assures me of what I am capable of," Warner said in a press-conference reported Cricinfo.
After Pakistan were bowled out for an inadequate 240 on the opening day of the series, Warner had to walk to the ground at the beginning of the second day with oodles of nerves. However, his approach - which was rather dynamic unlike his batting in England - was refreshing to the eye and a reminder of the good things that he has done in the seasons gone by.
"It was about coming back to state cricket and working hard in the nets there. Just playing the game that I know, especially here in Australia. I've obviously had some success here, and I know the grounds and I know the wickets are nice and true, and you know what you're going to do early on, and I've always felt I always try and apply the pressure to the bowlers in Australia; there's not as much movement and I'm able to do that," Warner added.