Warner says Oz batsmen needs to 'respect' Proteas pace attack in three-Test series

Australian opener David Warner has said that his team will have to respect the South African pace attack in their upcoming three-match Test series starting in Centurion on February 12 as they have three 'very, very good' bowlers.

Warner warned his team not to take the South African bowlers lightly as they are players who consistently keep taking wickets and bowling teams out and urged his team to respect them and be smart with the way they approach the bowlers.

According to Sport24, Warner also said that Australia is aware of what the South African bowlers are capable of as they have played them both home and away, although he added that it would not be a problem playing on the faster, bouncier, pitches in South Africa even though Australia was more familiar with the flatter tracks at home.

Stating that they try to set the batsman up and keep him 'nicking', Warner further said that it is crucial to bat in the first innings and score as many runs as they can so that the bowlers have something to bowl at and can put pressure on the opposition.

With the series set to be a contest between the two fierce bowling lineups, Warner said that it would be about application for the batsmen, adding that they have to adapt to their conditions if the pitches are bowler friendly.

Warner, a particularly attacking batsman, also said playing with intent would be the key to safely navigating the conditions and the bowlers.