MCG Test: “We Need More Runs” Says Warner

Australia’s opener David Warner said today that Australia might not declare overnight as he thinks that they need a few more runs to defend against India in the MCG Test.

“I think we need a few more runs than what we’ve got on the board at the moment,” Warner said.

“It’s still a very good batting wicket, I think. The ball’s coming on nicely, there’s not much sideways movement with the new ball. I think as the ball gets older and a little bit softer there’s a bit of reverse swing, as we saw late in the day today. I think that’s probably going to be the key when we take the field with the ball; to try and get that ball going a little bit and obviously dry up the runs and get 10 opportunities.”

“I think that’s the way that we’re going to try and win the game. Obviously the new ball’s crucial and we’ll try and make the most of it. There’s going to be extra zip with the new ball (but) I don’t think there’s going to be sideways movement at all,” Warner added.

Warner’s comments are an indication that the Aussies are vary of the in-form trio of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Murali Vijay. Moreover, the Indian batting line-up does contain power hitters in the form of opener Shikhar Dhawan and MS Dhoni, along with the solid Pujara.

Warner further added, “We saw in the Adelaide Test how well they fought there, luckily we got the breakthrough because it could have been a different story; they would have went 1-0 up. We know what their batting line-up is like. Kohli and Rahane put on a great partnership together (on day three).”

“We know the positive brand of cricket that they’re playing now and we’ve got to come out with the ball when we have our opportunity to either dry it up or try and take those 10 wickets.”said Warner.

Irrespective of how the Australian innings end, India will chasing a record target at MCG to keep itself alive in the series.