David Warner Prepared To Play South Africa In Their Own Backyard

Just a few hours after leading Australia to a victory in the final of Trans-Tasman series over New Zealand, David Warner flew to South Africa to join the Test side.

David Warner was the only player in the T20I team who was also named in the Test team.

While his teammates were preparing in South Africa, Warner was leading the team in the final.

In the end, David Warner also ended up as the winning captain and led Australia to a title win.

Warner, whose form has dipped down a bit in past months, now is up for the bigger challenge against South Africa

The left-handed batsman has said that he is set for a tough challenge and is prepared to face the South African bowlers,

“They’re a world-class outfit and have got bowlers who bowl 140kph. They’ve got Vern (Philander) who hits the money every time and if the conditions are in his favour, he’s going to be tough work. You know Morne (Morkel) is going to come into your ribs. It’s exciting, just thinking about it now sends shivers down my spine. I just want to get over there and get into it. They’re going to challenge me in areas where I’ve been getting out. I’m prepared for what they bring and I’ve just got to make sure I’m in the right mental state and I play each ball on its merit,” he was quoted by Cricket.com.au.

Warner has been the opening batsman for Australia for past few years now.

He saw players like Joe Burns, Ed Cowan, Matt Renshaw, coming and opening the innings with him but Warner stood there.

In fact, he is the permanent opener for Australia in all the formats, one of the rarest feats to be achieved by a batsman.

His form in South Africa would be key for Australia.

With him having an inexperienced partner in the form of Cameron Bancroft, Warner would face a challenge to spend more time on the crease.

Playing South Africa’s new ball bowlers will not be easy for both Warner and Bancroft but being the experienced man, it will be Warner’s duty to take more responsibility.

The four Test matches that will be played will be a big challenge for Steven Smith and company.

The first match of the series will start March 1 in Durban.

The second and third Test will start on March 9 (Port Elizabeth) and 22 (Cape Town).

The fourth and the final Test will be played in Johannesburg, starting on March 30.

Before the start of the series, Australia are playing a three-day practice game against South Africa A, which started this morning.

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