Australian batsman David Warner has claimed that he will not engage in any verbal instigation during the upcoming series between India and Australia Down Under.
When asked about how he would respond to any sledging from the Indian team in an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Warner said,” I’ll always draw from (any verbal instigation), mate. To try and get engaged, that’s the way they like to play as well. We saw that last time when we toured India."
“They really engaged us like that. We’re learning over time and trying not to engage in that. Probably try and reverse the effect by trying and ignoring it, trying to take it on board and using it against them by using your bat,” he added.
Warner claims that Virat Kohli's departure after the first Test and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane taking over for the final three matches of the series could see both teams dial down the intensity a bit on the field.
“(Rahane)’s calm and very measured in his approach. He’s got a very good cricket brain. When you take Virat out of there, I don’t want to say this the wrong way, but he’s obviously passionate, aggressive, he plays with that fight when you’re out there,” Warner noted.
“It’s like chalk and cheese with the two of them,” he continued. “And as a player to try and engage him on the field, as we’re talking about engaging, and getting into that contest as players, we obviously got to think about how to do that especially with Ajinkya as captain.”
“With him, he’ll bring a calm and measured approach with his nature,” Warner concluded.
Warner also said that Kohli is a “great guy” and praised him for his decision to skip the final three matches of the four-match Test series to attend the birth of his first child with actress Anushka Sharma.
India's Tour to Australia will commence with a three-match ODI series that will begin on November 27 followed by a three-match T20I series scheduled to start of December 4.
The Tour will conclude with a four-match Test series, with Day 1 of the first match scheduled for December 17. Check out complete fixture list here.
