David Warner Ready to Adapt to Middle-Order Role for Sydney Thunder

The competition in the Sydney Thunder team is tough, and David Warner is well aware of this fact. He is looking forward to this challenge as an opportunity to bat in the middle order, so that a correct balance in the batting order can be maintained. He is looking at everything with an open mindset to give Thunders a best chance in this year’s Big Bash League.

The Sydney Thunder team management is currently discussing the option of adding a potent left-handed batter to the middle order. Unfortunately, they do not have many options, as the majority of their middle-order players are right-handed batters.

David Warner is therefore looking forward to batting in the middle order to help maintain a balance in the team. He is open to considering all kinds of suggestions, as discussions to solve the puzzle are currently underway.

"That's more for a match-up and strategic point of view. We don't have that left-hander in the middle [order] that we've been looking for. It's a conversation we're having at the moment." said David Warner while talking to the reporters.

Speaking about young Sam Konstas, who recently scored a century in Sheffield Shield cricket, Warner said that he is performing well at the moment, making his case strong in front of the national selectors. He advised Konstas to stay focused on scoring runs, as it will give him a best chance to make a comeback to the side.

"The best form of currency is runs and he's doing that at the moment. When you do get thrown in the limelight, it can be a deer in the headlights. You can get overwhelmed and sucked into the hype around everything. But he has great support around him that will keep him level-headed." said David Warner.

He then said that Konstas should back his natural game without listening to too much outside noise. He also urged the team to help Konstas find his natural game, as he could become a great asset for them.

"You just have to allow him to keep playing his natural game. He had his taste of Test cricket last year, he probably got a lot of advice, as you do as a youngster. But as a youngster you have to try to take on board what you think is required for you.” said David Warner.

He added that Konstas should stick to his game by backing his core skills. He believes Konstas is a special talent who should be protected by the team by showcasing faith in him.

"You have to stick true to what you believe in and how you go about your game. He might have changed things. For us, it's about protecting him and making sure he's enjoying the game." added David Warner.

Staying Determined to Claim the BBL Title

Warner then spoke about the Thunder’s campaign in last year’s BBL. He said the team reached the final after winning several close games, which was not a fully satisfactory performance. He is now looking forward to improved performances this year by playing proactive cricket from the start.

"The way we played, we didn't expect to make the final. We were very scrappy, we won a lot of close games. We didn't play a complete game ... there [which] was a bit of a surprise - but it wasn't a surprise in terms of the way we're passionate about our team." said David Warner.

Talking about the Thunder’s first game against the Hobart Hurricanes on Tuesday, Warner said the team should play with the same bold attitude without dwelling on last year’s final result. He wants the Thunder to win the match convincingly to send a strong statement to the other teams for the rest of the tournament.

"I want the guys to look at it as making a statement to the rest of the BBL. Each season, what's important is that we rock up with the same attitude and ... what can we do better?" concluded David Warner.

After losing last year’s final, Sydney Thunder is confident to win this year’s tournament by delivering a better performance. It would be interesting to see how they will start their campaign this Tuesday against Hurricanes, as they are also entering the tournament with full force to defend their title.