T20 World Cup 2024: David Warner highlights key factors in team's dominance

Warner, the only Australian to play 100 matches in all three formats at the international level, commended the selectors for backing experienced players

PHOTO: AFP

David Warner has attributed Australia's recent triumphs in cricket to playing "fearless" cricket. The Aussies, who have won both the 50-over World Cup and the World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 cycle, have thrived under this approach.

In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Warner, a veteran of the Australian team, shared insights into their winning mindset.

“We’ve always played fearless and I think that’s why we’ve been so successful over the last few years,” Warner said.

“We don’t care about our spot in a team, we just care about doing the best that we can, and making sure that whatever we’re doing, we’re trying to be that match winner.

“And the fortunate thing is that we’ve got so many of them. One might come off one day, the next day someone else will come off. So, we just know that one person in that top six, if they can get anywhere between 60 to 80 runs at a good strike rate, we know we’re always going to post a good total.

The Australian opener also praised the bowlers, particularly Mitchell Starc, for their crucial role.

“It’s the same with the new ball. If Starcy [Mitchell Starc] is swinging the ball, we’ll get early wickets, and that brings the spinners into the game,” he said.

Warner, the only Australian to play 100 matches in all three formats at the international level, commended the selectors for backing experienced players.

“Credit to the selectors, who keep picking those guys that are experienced and they know how to win games,” he said.

“I think that’s why, for us going into this tournament, winning that [one-day] World Cup gives us another string to our bow when it comes to confidence. The opposition’s looking at us and going, ‘These guys are the real deal when it comes to tournament play,” he concluded.

Australia's T20 World Cup squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa.