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Wounded Warner sets sights on Ashes after India setback

India will play the fourth ODI against Steve Smith-men at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Wounded Warner sets sights on Ashes after India setback

Australia's David Warner (Photo: AFP)

Australia vice-captain David Warner has overwhelmingly accepted the fact that they have lost the five-match ODI series 3-0 and remaining two matches are just a matter of consolation for his boys.

“It is disappointing to lose the series already because we play for our country and that is what we enjoy doing and love doing. There is a lot of pride at stake,” Warner said during the pre-match conference in Bengaluru.

Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India will play the fourth ODI against Steve Smith-men at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

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Warner, who was dismissed for 25, 1 and 42 in last three ODIs, in not much anxious at the moment and believes that his team can turn the table before their prime Test series – The Ashes.

“Obviously we have got three T20s as well after this. (And) we are looking at it. We have got to make the most from the remaining ODIs and T20 games and make a turnaround before going into the next series or tournament (Ashes),” Warner added.

The intensive rivals Australia and England will lock horns in the five-Test series — Ashes 2017-18 — starting November 23 in Brisbane.

In Tests, the 30-year-old southpaw batsman has scored 5,705 runs in 66 matches with a career-best knock of 253 for Australia. The diminutive opener said playing Test cricket has helped him polish his skills for the limited-over format.

Warner was dismissed for 25, 1 and 42 in last three ODIs in India. (Photo: AFP)

“I am used to come out and start tonking from ball one like in T20 cricket. I sort of adapted that approach, but Test match cricket actually allowed me to play the game properly and show myself that there is lot more time in 50 overs cricket than 20 overs cricket.

“Playing Test cricket allowed me to actually nurture my game in 50 overs, take a bit more time and try and bat through the middle period in not such aggressive manner,” Warner continued.

The fourth ODI will be a milestone match for Warner as he will be playing his 100th ODI on Thursday. Earlier in the second ODI, captain Smith achieved the same feat in Kolkata.

“It is a significant milestone for my family and myself. I am extremely proud of where I am today. Coming from playing T20 in MCG in front of 90,000 people and a couple of games later to represent Australia in the ODI format. I never thought it will come so fast, but I learnt a lot in the early stages of my career,” the batsman from Paddington took a trip down the memory lane.

Hailing skipper Smith, Warner said playing 100th ODI together means a lot for them.

“To be an established player at the moment is a proud feeling for me. Also, I have got a great bunch of teammates around me. Obviously Smithy (Smith) brought up his 100th game recently as well. We have come a long way from where we were in juniors. Not being picked, dropped etc. There has been a great friendship between us and playing the 100th ODI together means much for us,” Warner said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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