David Warner vows to keep his temper in check against India in upcoming series

Australia star David Warner has vowed to keep his temper in check in the upcoming series against India at home. Sledging and banter are an integral part of the India-Australia rivalry and Warner is no stranger to it. In the past, the opening batsman has been involved in several on-field verbal battles with the India stars but has decided to not engage in such activities in the upcoming series.

India are in Australia for three ODIs, three T20Is and four Tests. Warner is a part of all three squads and would be one of the most crucial players for the hosts. The Indian players would definitely love to get under his skin in order to force him to commit any mistake. But it looks like Warner has learned his lessons from the past.

“The last time we toured in India they really engaged us like that,” David Warner told in a conference call on Monday as quoted by News 18.

“We’re learning over time, especially myself, that if you look not to engage in that you’re almost reversing the effect by ignoring it, trying to take it in, and using your bat,” he added.

You have to be a bit more humbled: David Warner

Speaking further, David Warner said he planned to use any taunts as motivation. The 34-year-old, who loved to sledge the opposition players not very long ago, insisted that one needs to be humble and more respectful to the opposition.

“You don’t know the effect (losing your temper) will have on your teammates, so you have to be a bit more humble and be more respectful to the opposition,” he said.

“You have to be patient, not get too aggressive, not get angry when the kids aren’t listening. So I’m getting tested on and off the field,” he added.

Warner’s milder approach appears to coincide with his return from a ban over the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. In that same series against South Africa, he was also involved in a furious altercation with Quinton de Kock. The batsman, however, has attributed the laid-back demeanour to fatherhood. Warner and his wife Candice are proud parents to three daughters.