ICC World Cup 2019 | Was nervous before match against Afghanistan, reveals David Warner

David Warner was banned for a period of one year post the sandpaper gate scandal in the Test match against South Africa between March 22 and 25. The batsman was making a return to international cricket in the World Cup encounter between Australia and Afghanistan on Saturday where Warner was awarded the Man of the Match for his match-winning knock of 89 not out. Thereby, it was natural that he was nervous and he had no qualms in accepting that.

“Great win and we hope to keep the ball rolling. I think there were some nerves getting to the training and then coming out today. Got relaxed once Finchy started to get going,” said Warner, reported Cricbuzz.

Afghanistan were bowled out for 207 after opting to bat first. Australia began their chase with the opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner who looked rusty initially. Australia were standing at 96 runs in the 17th over when the skipper was dismissed for 66 runs in 48 balls. Contrastingly, Warner had only scored 28 runs off 50 balls until then. The southpaw eventually went on to play an unbeaten knock of 89 in 114 deliveries and was delighted with his knock, especially after playing in the shortest format during the ban period.

“The way I started out today, I had to take time to move my feet and get my head into position, considering that I had only played T20 cricket over the last one year,” reckoned the 32-year-old.

“Us batters like to see that (some help for the bowlers). Need to keep our nerves and look to see through that period,” expressed the New South Wales player.

Australia are the defending champions at the quadrennial event this year. Warner, who was a part of the winning campaign in 2015, reckoned that the team back then was more experienced. 

“It's a different contrast from the team back then (in 2015). There was more experience at that point but this squad also has great energy in it,” he signed off.