David Warner backs his aggressive game to succeed in India

On Monday, David Warner became the fourth player to win the Allan Border medal, Australia’s highest cricketing honour, in two consecutive years. He defeated Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc to the accolade and was also declared as the ODI player of the year for Australia. Starc was voted as the Test player of the year, while Shane Watson won the award in T20.

"The one-dayers definitely helped me and Starcy missed a few games through injury. It's been an amazing journey so far, feel like I'm just getting started. We play for the love it," Warner was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The 30-year-old is preparing himself for the tour of India, where he averaged just 24 in four Tests the last time they visited in 2013. He had also struggled during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka where he scored just one half-century in three Test matches. However, Warner is excited by the challenges that await them in the subcontinent once again.

We had a torrid time in Sri Lanka. I learned a lot about myself and so did the other guys.

Warner

"We had a torrid time in Sri Lanka. I learned a lot about myself and so did the other guys," Warner said. "I'm really excited about the challenge. I've been there before and I know the challenges. I think it's more mental than the game itself. There are no excuses,” he added.

The swashbuckling opener will be rested for the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee trophy with the India tour in mind, and Warner is relishing the prospect of getting some much-deserved rest before that crucial tour starts. He said, "It is about being mentally fresh. Most of the time we've gone over there (India), we've had a lot of cricket. I'm having a break now which is great."

Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann has said that the team needs to bat for 150 overs in Test innings to have a chance of winning in India. However, Warner is not willing to change his aggressive approach.

I've got to keep playing my way and our way of Australian cricket.

Warner

"I've got to come out with a plan and execute that...I'm not the patient type, it's about treating each ball on its merits," he said. "We try to go out there and put the pressure on the bowlers. My philosophy is to try to get it back on them early. They might not hit the line and length so you have got to make the most of that.

"I've got to keep playing my way and our way of Australian cricket. Boof (Lehmann) is a massive fan of taking the game on and trying to win from every situation," he added. "We are going to have to take our A-Game to India, boys will prepare in Dubai and then a warm-up game in Mumbai. We are pumped about that," he added.

Warner’s new opening partner Matt Renshaw has made a flying start to his Test career against Pakistan, but there are question marks about his ability to play spin bowling. However, Warner insists that Renshaw is capable of handling the turning ball. He said, "We complement each other, I'm excited to see what he brings in India. I've seen him play spin, he's a very good player of spin."