Ryder Cup points are up for grabs with all the Europeans hoping for a fast start on this race
sports4 days ago
Ahead of his 100th Test for Australia in a Boxing Day match against South Africa in Melbourne, David Warner vowed to keep fighting despite having his back "up against the wall" after his recent struggles in the longest format.
Warner has not scored a Test century in almost three years, and his declining output has led to speculation he might retire from the format.
However, selectors have said he is part of Australia's plans for the tour of India starting in February.
Playing in his 100th Test match "means the world to me", Warner told reporters. "It's the same old cliche but it's obviously a massive occasion.
"I'm living every housing commission boy's dream - I wanted to play cricket for Australia and I'm doing that now," said Warner, who was raised in public housing in an underprivileged neighbourhood of Matraville.
"My back's up against the wall but it's in my DNA to keep being competitive and take on whatever opposition I'm going to face... I couldn't be any more proud of myself, my family for getting me here and my closest friends."
Warner struggled in the recent 2-0 whitewash of West Indies amid off-field distractions brought on by his aborted bid to have his permanent leadership ban lifted. He then scored 0 and 3 runs in Australia's victory over South Africa in the first Test.
The 36-year old said his mental health was not where it "needed to be" ahead of the West Indies series, crediting his team mates and family for helping him through a difficult period.
"It's Christmas time, the festive part of year, I'm in a great headspace now getting ready for this training session and pumped to walk out and play another Boxing Day test, but more importantly with a series on the line," Warner said.
ALSO READ:
Ryder Cup points are up for grabs with all the Europeans hoping for a fast start on this race
sports4 days ago
Three coveted sports in the DP World Tour Championship Pro-Am are up for grabs in November
sports4 days ago
Entering the Asian Tour Qualifying School is on my agenda – so all bases are covered,’ says the 24-year-old rookie pro
sports4 days ago
It was the first time I have really been a Tournament Host of an event like the HSBC India Legends, says Dubai Golden Visa awardee
sports4 days ago
The five feet three-inch tall ‘pocket rocket,’ from Korea said farewell to an 18-year career which includes 10 worldwide professional victories
sports4 days ago
‘There is a lot of time dedicated to golf in the U.S. which is why I chose to come here,’ says the UAE passport holder
sports4 days ago
The Dubai-based Englishman is joined by Scott, Rose, Lawrence and MacIntyre who have confirmed for the Race to Dubai Rankings event at Yas Links Abu Dhabi
sports4 days ago
New ballpark will be the first professional baseball field in the history of the Middle East and South Asia
sports4 days ago