Warner’s strategy has legs
DAVID Warner’s career-best century might have been long overdue but the sacrifices made to turn his fortunes around on spinning decks have provided a blueprint for a lost Australian team.
The normally bulletproof opener admits he doubted on last year’s forgettable tour of Sri Lanka whether he could ever master the subcontinent, and he hopes Australia’s Test rookies can learn a lot quicker than he has, although he admits there’s no magic fix.
Warner has revealed the secret to an exceptional ton in Dhaka was to mentally and physically break himself in a pre-season aimed at perfecting a boxer’s fitness and mindset.
Like a fighter must ensure his legs don’t turn to jelly in the 12th round, he found from a failed tour of India he needed energy in his legs to keep push- ing forward in oppressive humidity and in the face of unyielding pressure from turning balls and close-in fielders.
Warner came home from the Champions Trophy in June and threw himself into daily sprint work and running hills.
He pushed through 5-10km runs designed to train him mentally.
On day four it crystallised in what Warner regards as his finest Test century.
Young batsmen could do worse than examine the dedication Australia’s world-class leaders Steve Smith and Warner apply to their trade despite their rare natural talent.
Warner has now joined Mark Taylor on 19 career hundreds but regards his most recent ton as his finest.
“I just proved to myself that I’m capable of doing it on turning tracks with that positive mindset and energy in the legs,” he said. “I would have to say, yeah (it’s my best).”