Fearlessness is the key to opening: Warner

Opening the batting is something I have always wanted to do. I am fortunate that the shortest form of the game gives me a license to go for my shots. In the first six overs I like the ball coming on to the bat. If I am able to get the team to a great start,I have done my job. If I hang on till the end,its a bonus. Hopefully,I can get my first IPL hundred this season.

Some of your shots look easy from outside. Whats the inside story?

Its really not easy when the ball comes at you at 150 kmph. There is hardly time to react and hit where you want to,it takes hours of practice to master the shots. Of course it becomes easier as time goes on.

What are the essential qualities for an opening batsman?

You neead to be absolutely fearless. When I got out and bat,I try and hit my first boundary as quickly as I can,so that I can get going. At the end of the day,you have to entertain the crowd and thats what I love to do. You have a license to go for your shots; if it comes off,you are a hero,if it doesnt you have to wait for your next chance.

Your pick between innovation and conventional hitting.

A lot of people are inventing new shots,trying to scoop the ball over the keepers head. But I believe its good to approach the game the way you have always played it. Its good to invent new shots but better to rely on conventional ones. I always like waiting for the ball. There are a few occasions when I like to approach the ball,but then I struggle a bit. I try to manipulate the field and plan the shots.

Would you try the scoop shot like Tillakaratne Dilshan?

A lot of my friends have told that I am afraid of getting my teeth knocked over. May be one day I might try but I am happy to stay and hit a few over the fence as I long as I can. I back myself to play to my strengths.

Behind every big-hitter is a story of choosing his bat. Whats yours?

I am very fussy and I go by instincts while selecting my bat. I normally get a couple of bats and I take the sleeve off and take a hit with them. If I like one,I put the sleeve back and keep it in my kitbag,else it stays as my net bat.

Is there competition between you,Viru,Dilshan and Gambhir?

Nothing so far but we might want to start one this year,say about who gets to hit the maximum number of sixes. To be fair,I have to tell Viru to compare with the number of matches one gets to play. It will be good fun as to who wins that contest.

You opened with Gambhir last time,now with Viru who are you more comfortable with?

It doesnt bother me who I am opening with,I enjoy the challenge. It helps my game,mentally and technically. As long as I am playing I am happy with it.