http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/dave-warner-previews-the-twenty20-international-match-against-india-at-anz-stadium/story-fn67wv6z-1226253837470
Homebish fan: David Warner on the roof at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, where he will be part of the Australian T20 team to take on India. Picture: Mark Evans
Source: The Daily Telegraph
TWELVE months ago, life was good. Today its even better I am living the dream.
One of my major life goals was to wear the baggy green. I always believed the day would come if I worked hard at my game, but I honestly didnt think it would come as soon as it has.
I was branded by some as a T20 specialist, however I was handed the opportunity to prove that I can play the longer form of the game.
To make my Test debut in Brisbane in December and then to score a century in Hobart, as well as another in a session in Perth this month, was simply an unbeatable feeling.
And now, to top off an amazing summer, on Wednesday, February 1, I will have the honour of vice-captaining Australia against India as international T20 cricket debuts at ANZ Stadium.
It will be an honour and a very exciting night.
Putting aside the disappointment of getting out cheaply against India in the fourth Test in Adelaide, what a ride the past few months have been.
The best thing about it is that I have tried to stay true to myself and my playing style. I am an aggressive batsman. Its what has seen me come this far and I believe it can take me further.
In my opinion, if I keep my head still, my balance right and my weight through the ball I can adapt to any situation which may arise against India in the T20 on Wednesday night.
The Australian selectors have named a well-balanced side with some handy power-hitters and a quality bowling attack.
And Brad Hogg what can I say? A recall by national selectors four years after his last game for Australia . . . at age 40! Hoggy has certainly earned it with a phenomenal Big Bash League season and I am thrilled to have the opportunity
to play alongside him.
I am also thrilled to see international cricket debut at ANZ Stadium. I was at our Olympic stadium when Cathy Freeman
raced into history. Ive also been lucky enough to have played quite a bit of cricket at the ground and can tell you its a fantastic T20 venue for both players and fans.
With the wicket running east to west, the majority of seats are behind the bowlers arm which makes for great viewing.
And then theres the celebrated short boundaries. At 61.3m straight and 70m square, theres no doubt the boundaries
get batsmen excited. The result is plenty of cracking shots into and over the fence, and a huge buzz for fans.
I hope to rack up my fair share of those.
Last season I managed to land a six in one of the private suites on Level 3 at ANZ Stadium. To better that and clear the roof would require some serious elevation, but Ill give it my best shot!
Its not all about the batsmen, though. The beauty of a short boundary for bowlers is the opportunity to take advantage of a batsman who is constantly looking for the big hit. Bring it on, I say!
But regardless of whether the batsmen or bowlers get on top next week, I reckon this is a game that will go down in history.
As well as being a first for ANZ Stadium, we could be playing in front of a record NSW cricket crowd.
What a feeling.
The number to beat is 58,446. With the support weve already seen come out of western Sydney, for the Thunder and previously the NSW SpeedBlitz Blues, I am thinking were a shoo-in.
To be part of it is something no sports fan should miss.
I hope to see you there.
