"We live for those World Cups" - David Warner reflects on scoring back-to-back centuries in the 2023 World Cup
Australian opener David Warner spoke about being at his best in the World Cups since they happen only once every four years following his breathtaking century against the Netherlands on October 25.
Warner recorded his 22nd ODI century but, more importantly, moved past former captain Ricky Ponting to become Australia's leading centurion in World Cups with six tons.
It was also Warner's second consecutive ton following his scintillating 163 against Pakistan a few days back in Australia's previous outing.
Speaking on Star Sports post-game, David Warner reflected on his incredible record at the World Cup.
"For me it's about going over there and doing my best," Warner said. "It so happens to be in live-play and in tournament-play and that's what I get up for. We live for those World Cups.
"They're every four years and you've got to really, really shine on this stage and try and emulate what I do in those bilateral series out here."
The maverick opener also spoke about being in the same breath as the two legends - Sachin Tendulkar and Ponting.
"To be in the same category and class with those guys is special. They're greats of the game. For us, we grew up watching those guys. In this moment, we're just staying present. In probably 20 years' time or 30 years' time, I might sit down and enjoy that," Warner added.
Warner equaled Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar for the second most World Cup centuries with six, behind only Rohit Sharma with seven.
The southpaw boasts an excellent World Cup record with 1,324 runs at an average of 63.04 and a strike rate of over 100 in 23 games.
"It's about timing and rhythm" - David Warner on being successful in India
David Warner further admitted that getting in on the surfaces in India is the most challenging part.
The 36-year-old started the tournament with a scratchy 41 against India on a difficult Chennai wicket. But, he found the going challenging, scoring 13 and 11 in the following two games before scoring back-to-back tons.
"It's about timing and rhythm and on these wickets you have to be able to allow yourself time to do that," Warner said. "I think the first game against India in Chennai, always going to be challenging, always is a challenging surface. You need to get yourself in."
"And I didn't feel like I was in great rhythm, and then on to Lucknow [against South Africa] which was a great wicket but the timing wasn't there and the ball was sort of swinging, so for me it was about going back to basics and being nice and still," he continued.
Warner also spoke about his confidence in succeeding on these wickets and how his trigger movements aid in changing gears.
"Still have my prelim[inary trigger movements] but I can stay still if I wanted to and just switching gears. I know I've got the ability to play on these wickets and in these conditions. It's just about backing yourself and having control and batting those 50 overs," Warner signed off.
David Warner is the third leading scorer of the 2023 World Cup, with 332 runs at an average of 66.40 and a strike rate of almost 110.
Following dismal defeats against India and South Africa, Australia has bounced back with a hattrick of wins against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and the Netherlands.
The five-time world champions will take on their Trans-Tasmanian rival, New Zeland, in a marquee clash at Dharamsala on Saturday, October 28.