Attack will be the best form of defence for big-hitting Australian opener David Warner in the upcoming Ashes Test series.
The same approach in an English pub landed him in hot water ahead of the previous Ashes showdown, forcing the 27-year-old to dramatically curb his off-field ways.
But Warner has vowed to again come out swinging against the English attack despite the lessons learned from another dramatic event of the last series – their remarkable fourth Test loss at Durham.
Australia were on track to reel in the 299-run victory target, cruising at 2-168 with Warner well set on 71.
Then Warner pushed at a Tim Bresnan delivery.
The umpire’s finger went up, the Barmy Army regained their voice and Stuart Broad (6-50) did the rest as Australia lost 8-56 to gift England a 3-0 series lead.
Warner said it was typical of the key moments that England seized that proved the difference in the series.
But he reckons he would play the same shot again in his “score not bore” approach with the bat.
“At the end of the day you have to keep backing yourself,” said Warner, who has smashed four tons in the past month for NSW.
“I was too worried (in the past) about being defensive then attacking.
“I am most vulnerable when I am looking to defend. If I am looking to score and nick off then so be it.
“My confidence is always sky high. But personal form is fantastic to have.
“I probably haven’t been in this form before in my career. I am raring to go.”
And so is the rest of the team as they look to exorcise their Ashes – and in particular Durham – demons.
“I actually think they (England) are fearing us (ahead of this Ashes series),” Warner said.
“They know we mean business.
“We have identified what we need to work on come those key moments again and it’s there for us to take it this summer.”
Warner has already seized the right rein off the field after overcoming a nightmare period which featured a Twitter spat with senior journalists, the punch on Joe Root and being overlooked for Australia’s one-day tour of India.
“Having a kick up the backside is what I really needed,” Warner said.
