Bullish David Warner rubbishes retirement talk and reveals he plans to play in India and the Ashes: ‘Coach wants me there’
- David Warner has dismissed suggestions that next week’s test at the SCG will be his last
- The opener wants to play for the upcoming tours of India and England
- The Aussies have not won a Test series in India and England for 18 and 21 years
- Warner turned around poor form with a double century against South Africa
- Click here for all your latest international sports news on Daily Mail Australia
David Warner has dismissed speculation that next week’s Test in Sydney will be his last, indicating he intends to play for the upcoming tours of India and England.
The 36-year-old opener proved he still has what it takes by scoring a double century in the second Test win over South Africa that clinched the series, with the final Test to be played at the SCG.
The feisty opener confirmed in the lead-up to the Sydney test that he intends to play.
David Warner insists he has no plans to end his Test career this year
‘I don’t feel 36,’ Warner told reporters. ‘I run faster than a lot of young people here.
‘When they catch up with me, I might think of pulling the pin.’
Warner has a point to prove both in the subcontinent and in England – two places where he has struggled to bring out his normal hard-hitting style on their spinning and seaming pitches.
Warner averaged 24.25 in his 16 Test innings in India and 26.04 in 25 innings in England.
Warner’s double ton against South Africa ended 27 innings without a Test century
The Aussie opener retired hurt after battling cramps and oppressive heat at the MCG
He is not alone among the Australian players who have failed to reproduce their best form overseas, with the team having won just one series in India since 1969 and not winning an Ashes series in England since in 2001.
‘The extra motivation for me is to win in India and absolutely win a series in England,’ said Warner.
‘The coach and the selectors have already told me they want me there.’
Warner had a string of batting failures leading up to the double-century at the MCG, and even he admitted to doubts about his future after that torrid run.
The 36-year-old was named Player of the Match in the second Test against South Africa
Warner (right) says Australia coach Andrew McDonald (left) wants him in the squad for the tours of India and England next year
‘Is there any doubt? Of course there are doubts in my mind,’ Warner said.
‘But for me it’s about going out there and knowing that I still have the hunger and the determination, because every time I go into training, I get it.
‘People keep telling me, you’ll know when it’s time. I’ve never really felt that.’
