Great to spend some quality time in middle: Warner

Prior to the start of the T20 World Cup, the pressure was at the peak on the Australian opener David Warner, who had scores of 0, 2, 0, 1 and 14 leading into the competition. After two lackluster games in the Middle East, the Australian opener was dropped from the playing XI for his IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

However, after the first clash against South Africa, Warner reiterated that there were no concerns over his form. Yet, the questions were pertinent, with the southpaw on the decline. Warner answered the critics in sublime fashion, taking the attack to Sri Lankan bowlers in the powerplay. The opener added that it was a ploy to take down Maheesh Theekshana aggressively early on in the innings. 

"When they're coming over the wicket, they've obviously got their carrom ball to come straight down the line. For me, it's actually a low-risk shot to go with the spin and because you've only got two [fielders] out to protect, you've got to back yourself. It's a shot that I favour. You've got to apply pressure and that's how I start my innings against spin," Warner said in the post-match press conference.

"I got criticised when I got out to Ashwin in the practice game playing the same shot. We know which bowlers are bowling what, we know where the fields are and we know how to try and apply pressure. If it comes off, it comes off,” he added.

"Shutting the critics down? No, never. That's the world of sport. When you ride the highs, you've got to ride the lows and you've got to stay confident, keep a smile on your face, and never let it get to you."

Warner stated that the aim for the openers was to apply pressure on the bowlers, which they did, as Australia scored 63 runs in the powerplay in their run chase of 155. 

"Tonight, I had to obviously start fresh. Everyone was talking about my form, which I reiterated was not a thing I was worried about. It was about going out there and starting well. That's all we're trying to do, apply pressure to the bowlers."

The 35-year-old scored runs all over the park, including switching it up against Theekshana early on to welcome the bowler at the crease. Warner admitted that it was great to get out and spend some quality time in the middle, getting Australia off to a good start. 

"It was great to get out there in the middle and spend some time there, running between the wickets. Little things like that just keep your mind ticking. Obviously in the last six to 12 months we haven't played that much cricket so I haven't been in those situations too often. It's not so much about getting runs for myself, it's about getting us off to a good start and we managed to do that.

Australia’s next encounter, against England, on Saturday (October 30) has the ingredients to change the face of the group and the standings.