Upbeat David Warner shifts focus on ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 after IPL blitz

New Delhi, April 30: Australia opener David Warner might not have played international cricket in almost 13 months but he will go into ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 brimming with confidence, after ending the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 on a dominant note.

Warner, who is the leading run-getter in the tournament so far by aggregating 692 runs from 12 innings, scored a fiery 81 off 56 balls in his final appearance for Sunrisers Hyderabad this season, and helped his side cross the 200-run mark.

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"It is great to get out there and do your job properly," he said after the game on Monday, 29 April. "It comes back to basics, backing your gameplan and instincts. I did that and put the team in a good position. It is going back to being still while batting."

David Warner: Became a better husband and father during days away from the field

Warner smashed eight fifties and a century in this season. His supreme form for Hyderabad - 692 runs at 69.2 with a strike rate of 143.86 - has coincided with Australia's swift and sudden resurgence in one-day international cricket. After dealing with severe setbacks in the last 12 months, the 2015 World Cup champions found their footing recently, claiming crucial victories in away series against India and Pakistan.

With big players like Warner finding form ahead of the World Cup, Australia are in contention as tournament favourites once again. The left-hander has had ideal preparation in the IPL, and is now ready to replicate those performances at the international level.

.@davidwarner31's message - straight from the 🧡 to you!

What happens when a cricketer turns cameraman? Watch as @BhuviOfficial goes behind the lens to capture Warner's @SunRisers journey for https://t.co/sdVARQFuiM. By @28anand. #SRHvKXIP

Full 📹 - https://t.co/uxTDHy7Ql0 pic.twitter.com/UEefeywgTg

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 30, 2019

"This World Cup you will see some high scores, playing in England," he said. "We are the reigning champions and for us, it is going out there backing our abilities and being our best selves. I am looking forward to it and this was a stepping stone to that."

Warner was handed a 12-month suspension after his involvement in a ball-tampering incident in Newlands last year. He believes the break has helped him grow on and off the pitch.

"I have had time off to work harder at my game," he said. "Put the bat down for 16-18 weeks and just worked hard on being the best father and husband, that has worked for me. I try and always do that around the team, be the funny man and prankster and try my best to give what is good for the team."