Playing against India without crowd would be surreal: Warner

New Delhi

The four Tests, for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will be played at Gabba, Adelaide Oval, MCG and SCG respectively, starting December 3. Earlier, Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade had stated that he would not get into a sledging contest with Kohli during the series. And, Warner also wants to follow similar protocols.

“Kohli is not a person to be poked and there is no point poking the bear,” Warner was quoted as saying by India Today. Warner also spoke about the prospect of playing matches behind closed doors, saying it would be surreal to play against Kohli’s troops without the vociferous support from both sets of fanatics.

“I want to be selected and be part of that series. Last time, we were not bad but we were beaten by a good team and India’s bowling was relentless. Now, India has got the best batting line-up and our bowlers will like to target it. And the Indian crowd will be eager to see that.”

Warner also expressed his readiness for playing in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) if it ends up taking place instead of the T20 World Cup. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the fate of the showpiece event in Australia hangs in balance and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to host IPL during that window.

“Look, there has been a lot of talk about the T20 World Cup being postponed and the challenges around getting every single nation into Australia, given the fact that we have to be in quarantine for 14 days,” said Warner.

“Nevertheless, we are making sure that we are restricting the chances of another COVID-19 outbreak in Australia. Those restrictions are in place with the Australian government at the moment. We have to obviously abide by those rules and await the decision from the International Cricket Council (ICC),” he added.

“If the World Cup can’t go ahead, I am very sure and positive that we will be able to come and play IPL (if it replaces the WC schedule). If Cricket Australia (CA) gives us the go-ahead to come to India, I am sure we will put our hands up and play cricket, which is what we love.”