We have come here to beat India : David Warner

02/15/2017

Amid predictions that Australia will struggle against a strong Indian team, David Warner has sounded the first battle cry saying they have come here "to beat India". Warner also looked forward to his duels with the world's best spinner, R Ashwin and predicted that it's "going to be a great battle".

In an interaction with India Today, Warner said that Australia will need to well-prepared to avoid the fate that befell England last month.

“India are playing very good cricket and they’re exceptional at home. They crush teams and they simply outplayed England. We have to respond better than England and plan well otherwise we will be crushed as well. We can’t allow India to do that as we have come here to beat them,” said the southpaw.

While India would come into a series on a high with a 19-game unbeaten streak, Australia have had only a short stint of success against Pakistan before which they endured humiliating defeats against Sri Lanka and South Africa. However, Warner looks to take an aggressive approach to win in India.

“Beating India is the pinnacle. It is hard and tough. We must take our chances and must try to win and not draw. We will go all out to win in India. The world will be watching us. We have to change the record of the past and we are ready for the series.”

Warner has been the most important cog in the Australian team's recent performances, but he has downplayed his contributions and has stressed that the entire team needs to stand up to succeed in India.

“I am under no pressure. Each player has a role and they know it. One man cannot win you games. Each player needs to contribute. Taking wickets will be tough. Taking 20 wickets will be tough and spinners will have to bowl long spells. We are preparing for that. The visiting spinners find the conditions in India to be alien-like. They struggle in Australia. The adaptability is going to be key. Planning and learning from Indian spinners is important,” said Warner.

Warner also talked about how he looks to handle R Ashwin who has tormented rival batsmen weaving webs around them time and again.

“Ashwin thinks like a batsman and I have to be disciplined against him. I have a game plan for him – I have to bat against his strength. He is going to be ready for me and we both have to adapt to the situation. It’s going to be a great battle for the both of us. I have to respect a player like Ashwin. I have to bide my time,” said Warner.

The Aussie opener also reserved praise for the Indian pacers who have stood up and counted on the rare occasions when their spin counterparts have struggled.

“India’s pacers are skilful. Bhuvneshwar has swing, Ishant has height and bounce and Umesh has pace. Umesh has reverse swing and is a very good bowler. Shami has pace as well. India have to keep their pacers fresh. Their pacers don’t give away too many runs and it allows their spinners to attack. The key for our young batsmen is listening and learning. They must prepare well and should learn from their seniors,” explained Warner.

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