‘Focussed on Being Best Father & Husband,’ Warner on Tampering Row

David Warner scored 81 vs KXIP in his final IPL 2019 match of the season.

(Photo: BCCI/IPL)

The 12-month ban a thing of the past now, David Warner on Monday said he just tried to be the best father and the best husband following the career-threatening ball-tampering episode.

Warner and Australian skipper Steve Smith were handed 12-month bans by Cricket Australia for their role in the ball-tampering saga in South Africa last year, a punishment which both the player have already served.

Post the completion of the ban, Warner was in imperious form in the ongoing IPL and signed off with 692 runs, the tournament’s highest-scorer by over 100 runs.

He now leaves India on Monday night to join the Australian team for a preparatory camp ahead of the World Cup.

“I have had time off to work harder at my game. Put the bat down for 16-18 weeks and just worked hard on being the best father and husband and that has worked for me. Yeah, I try to be the funny man in the team, the prankster.”

David Warner

While Smith has struggled in this IPL, Warner leads the runs charts on the back of 8 half centuries and one ton. Talking about his 692 runs, the Aussie said he just backed his natural instinct.

“The ground staff have worked tirelessly to prepare good wickets and then it’s about going back to basics and backing your instincts. I think it just goes back to being still as a batsman. I had the tendency of moving around a bit if there were a few dots. But I have worked hard over the last few months.”

David Warner

Warner predicted high scores in the upcoming ODI World Cup in England, starting May 30.

“This World Cup, you’ll see some high scores. Hopefully the ball doesn’t swing as much. Obviously England are the home team and they’re great. We’re world champions. I’m sure it’ll be great.”

David Warner

Sunrisers Hyderabad players celebrate the wicket of KL Rahul of Kings XI Punjab during match 48 of the Vivo Indian Premier League Season 12, 2019.(Photo: BCCI/IPL)

Warner signed off his IPL 2019 campaign in style, notching up his eighth fifty of the season to help Sunrisers take a step closer towards qualifying for the play-offs with a comfortable 45-run win over Kings XI Punjab on Monday.

Sunrisers skipper Kane Williamson said it was complete performance from his team on Monday.

“It was a big game for us and it’s been close to a complete performance. Warner and (Jonny) Bairstow have been world class. Very hard to fill someone’s boots. But as a team, we’ll have to pick up the slack. You’re always looking for more runs.”

Kane Williamson, Captain - Sunrisers Hyderabad