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Warner still dreaming

Warner still dreaming

12/01/2009 6:29 PM

Twenty-two-year-old David Warner was still pinching himself on Monday after clubbing 89 off 43 balls in a spectacular international debut against South Africa on Sunday night.

Warner, whose clean striking saw him rushed into Australia's Twenty20 side before playing a first-class game for NSW, was still trying to get his head around his amazing entrance to international cricket.

"Massively, it's still a dream, I haven't woken up yet, hopefully it all sinks in tonight and I can get ready for tomorrow night," Warner said.

Speaking in Brisbane ahead of the Twenty20 international at the Gabba on Tuesday, Warner said he had received some sound advice from veteran team-mates about the pressure that comes with such an exhilarating first-up performance.

"They just said 'you've got to try and kind of erase it out of your mind, especially after today'."

"They said 'soak it up and just make sure it doesn't affect your cricket and make sure you're back on the park tomorrow'."

"They are a great bunch of blokes, I didn't know what to expect when I first walked into the change room, but they're all so welcoming and great fun to be around and I'm just loving the moment."

"I had a good night out last night and now I'm concentrating on tomorrow night's game."

Warner's stunning performance has seen many in the media call for his inclusion in the one-day series against South Africa, but the level-headed youngster played down his chances.

"My hopes aren't too high, I was over the moon to get the call for these two Twenty20s, that's just an amazing experience for myself, I'll play tomorrow night and go back and play for New South Wales."

A coy Warner struggled for words when questioned about Australian captain Ricky Ponting's suggestion that his clean hitting on Sunday night was reminiscent of Adam Gilchrist.

"One of the greatest one-day batsmen for Australia," he said.

"I've idolised him for a long time now and just trying to do what he does, entertain the crowd ,and I just cant believe what happened last night."

Warner might have secured an IPL contract with the Delhi Daredevils, but he is cautious of being labeled a one-hit wonder, saying a berth in his state's Sheffield Shield team and eventually a spot in the Australian Test side are his ultimate goals.

"As a kid growing up, you want that baggy green, obviously I've got to get the baggy blue first and hopefully that comes soon and I can show what I can actually do instead of being pigeonholed as a Twenty20 player," he said.

Warner was hopeful of repeating the does against the Proteas in Brisbane, but suggested he will again be leaving the double-sided cricket bat in the kit bag.

"I used it the other day against South Australia and just thought it wasn't knocked in enough and it's still not, but hopefully one day I might get it out again."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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