Warner continues blazing run of form

After four days of bashing Victoria’s bowlers around the MCG, David Warner says his focus is squarely on aggression ahead of the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane from November 21.

Warner averaged only 23 in three Tests in the Ashes series in England in July-August.

But his four domestic hundreds for NSW, three in the one-dayers and one in this week’s Sheffield Shield game, have left no doubt he’ll be named in Australia’s squad to be announced on Tuesday.

Overlooked for last month’s one-day tour of India, Warner has worked hard on his game with batting coach Trent Woodhill. The latest results — scores of 104 off 87 balls and 51 not out from 45 deliveries against Victoria — have boosted Warner’s confidence on the eve of a massive Ashes home series.

“I was going through a pretty bad rough patch. England didn’t help with all the stuff that went on over there,” Warner told reporters on Saturday.

“I’ve got myself back into shape and I’m playing cricket the way I want to play.

“For me, (it was important) to go back to the drawing board and see how I made all those runs before I made my debut.

“I looked at a few videos. Me and Trent Woodhill came up with a solution and it’s working.

“He has put a lot of time and effort in with me and I thank him for his patience because I’m probably not the easiest to work with.”

Warner wasn’t chosen for the first two Tests of the Ashes series in England after being stood down for the Champions Trophy one-day tournament for punching England batsman Joe Root in a nightclub.

The 27-year-old was recalled in Manchester but averaged only 23 in three Tests.

“It’s more the intent. My game is intent, coming out and trying to score,” Warner said when asked to explain his recent batting fireworks.

“If I’m looking to be positive, then it helps my game immensely.

“We’ve seen that in the one-day stuff and now coming out here and basically coming out with a clear mind back and just being happy back here and playing cricket.”

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