NEW DELHI: Australia’s opening batsman David Warner revealed on Saturday that he was not 100% mentally ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Perth, while criticizing Cricket Australia (CA) for their lack of support during their leadership ban appeal.
“Driving in the Perth Trial, my sanity probably wasn’t where I needed it to be 100%. And it was tough back then,” Warned said ahead of his 100th Test.
Australia won the first Test by six wickets but Warner was out for 0 and 3. In fact, he hasn’t scored in a Test century since January 2020.
Warner had been handed a lifetime ban from directing for his role in the 2018 ball tampering scandal. The 36-year-old had appealed the ban and Warner and CA wanted a closed hearing.
However, independent commissioners appointed by the board insisted that it be public, forcing Warner to withdraw its appeal.
“If I had done it my way, we would have sorted it out. From a CA perspective, I didn’t really have any support. My teammates and our team staff were absolutely amazing, and my family and friends friends – they really got me through this time,” he added.
The opener said he was unable to understand why the process had taken so long.
“We contacted in February so we have no idea how it has gone so far and only CA can answer that and they will probably give you the same thing they always give everyone else, they don’t really give an answer,” Warner said.
Warner, however, supported itself to do well in the next Boxing Day Test.
“Yes, I have my back against the wall, but it’s in my DNA to stay competitive, to come here with a smile on my face and face any opposition that we’re going to face,” he said.
He added that he will have a conversation with the board after the South African series.
“I will have that conversation once this series is over. For me, it’s about staying in the right frame of mind to face the South Africans.
“I’m excited to play another Boxing Day Test and more importantly we have a series on the line.”
(With PTI entries)
“Driving in the Perth Trial, my sanity probably wasn’t where I needed it to be 100%. And it was tough back then,” Warned said ahead of his 100th Test.
Australia won the first Test by six wickets but Warner was out for 0 and 3. In fact, he hasn’t scored in a Test century since January 2020.
Warner had been handed a lifetime ban from directing for his role in the 2018 ball tampering scandal. The 36-year-old had appealed the ban and Warner and CA wanted a closed hearing.
However, independent commissioners appointed by the board insisted that it be public, forcing Warner to withdraw its appeal.
“If I had done it my way, we would have sorted it out. From a CA perspective, I didn’t really have any support. My teammates and our team staff were absolutely amazing, and my family and friends friends – they really got me through this time,” he added.
The opener said he was unable to understand why the process had taken so long.
“We contacted in February so we have no idea how it has gone so far and only CA can answer that and they will probably give you the same thing they always give everyone else, they don’t really give an answer,” Warner said.
Warner, however, supported itself to do well in the next Boxing Day Test.
“Yes, I have my back against the wall, but it’s in my DNA to stay competitive, to come here with a smile on my face and face any opposition that we’re going to face,” he said.
He added that he will have a conversation with the board after the South African series.
“I will have that conversation once this series is over. For me, it’s about staying in the right frame of mind to face the South Africans.
“I’m excited to play another Boxing Day Test and more importantly we have a series on the line.”
(With PTI entries)
