I've Truly Learned My Lessons: David Warner Ahead Of South Africa Tour

The last time David Warner played for Australia in South Africa, he was handed a one-year ban for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal alongside Steven Smith. Besides, Cameron Bancroft faced nine-month suspension.

Once again, he will head to South Africa, in national colours later this month, but the 33-year-old says he’s learned his lessons this time around.

Warner was awarded his third Allan Border Medal on Monday, at Cricket Australia’s annual cricket awards night. After making his return to international cricket post the twelve-month ban, Warner received a lot of flak.

The explosive batsman has learned from his time in England, and that will help him in South Africa as well, says the left-handed opener.

David Warner ‘Excited’ to return to South Africa:

Australia are due to play three T20Is and as many ODIs against the Proteas on away turf. This will be the first time Warner returns to South Africa after the ball-tampering scandal. But he says that he’s learned his lessons.

“I knew what I was walking into in England and I know exactly what I’m walking into in South Africa. You just look at the recent series against England; it doesn’t matter where you go in the world, you’re probably going to cop something of some sort,” said the 33-year-old. 

He further added, “You’ve got to try and get that out of your head and not let that affect you. I’ve well and truly learned my lessons from last time. It’s going to be great to go back over there, and I’m just really excited to get out there against South Africa and hopefully come home with a win.”

David Warner ‘Grateful’ to Cricket Australia for incorporating him back to the national team:

The former Australian skipper also added that he was ‘grateful’ to the management, in terms of how welcoming they were towards him, Smith and Bancroft too.

“There was obviously a lot of work behind the scenes to reintegrate the three of us and I really appreciate the way that unfolded and the way we were reintegrated back into the team and into the fold, and that was by having net sessions as well at the Test matches, keeping our sharpness up against quality bowling, and I’m extremely grateful for that,” he said. 

Australia’s assignment in South Africa begins with the first T20I that will be played on 21st February, at the Wanderers Stadium.