David Warner eager to open with Sehwag

New Delhi: He is the ideal choice for a team branded the Daredevils. A fearless stroke-maker, Australia are expecting big things from 20-year-old David Warner. The dashing batsman told CNN-IBN that he hopes he will be able to showcase his talent to the fullest in the IPL.


David Warner: It will be a massive experience for myself. Obviously, being in the dressing room with Ricky Ponting for Australia, and to come into a dressing room like this with Sehwag and Gambhir, and the likes of McGrath and Vettori, its going to be a very good experience for myself and hopefully I get the opportunity to open the innings with Virender and get to watch him from the other end of the ground.


CNN-IBN: Last year, some of the youngsters from Australia played in the IPL. Players like Shaun Marsh, who was relatively unknown in cricketing circles got a huge boost by performing well in the IPL. Do you think this could be the ideal platform for you to step to the next level in international cricket?


David Warner: Definitely. Shaun came into the tournament with no fear, and he got the opportunity to open the batting and, he does what he does. This is how he plays in domestic cricket. I'm a very similar batsman to him and, hopefully, I can show that here.


CNN-IBN: You made your mark for Australia with Twenty20 cricket. Does your familiarity to the format gives you the confidence to do well?


David Warner: You get the opportunity to play, especially in Australia, a lot of cricket is being played for the people who have cemented their spots and you get the opportunity. And then if you do something, like fortunately enough I was able to do, it can give you the chance in the 50-over game as well. But I'm enjoying my time at the moment and hopefully I can continue my success with Delhi Daredevils.


CNN-IBN: Do you think it will be easier to adjust for a player like you because wickets in South Africa are similar to those in Australia?


David Warner: In a way, yes. People here are not used to get bouncers out here, but the wickets are definitely similar to those in Australia. But we all have to adapt to it. We will have to wait and see what the conditions are like there.


CNN-IBN: What kind of a role do you expect to play in a Delhi Daredevils batting order which has Sehwag, Gambhir, AB de Villiers, who are all powerful hitters of the cricket ball?


David Warner: If I get the opportunity, I'd love to open the batting. But if not, I'm more than happy to go in the middle order and try and bring the last five overs home. But I'd definitely like to open.