Pak vs Aus: David Warner hopeful of a result in Karachi Test

• Pakistan, Australia to clash Saturday in second Test at NSK.
• Playing XI to be finalised after reviewing pitch, says David Warner.
• Warner says he has no plans on partaking in PSL.

KARACHI: Australian opener David Warner is hopeful of a result producing wicket in Karachi Test against Pakistan after benign wicket in Rawalpindi led to a draw.

Warner told journalists, in an online press conference, that he would like to see a wicket where teams can create 20 chances during the match and provide good entertainment to the crowd.

“From a batter's point of view, you can roll the same one as in Islamabad and hopefully I don't get out but that's not what we want. From a cricketing point of view. You want something to obviously break up, be something there for the spinners, a little bit more, I don't know what we're expecting here in Karachi until we see the wicket but I just want a game where you can actually create 20 chances, something that's going be exciting and entertaining for the crowd,” he said.

The series now moves to Karachi's National Stadium, a favourite hunting ground for Pakistan, who have won 23 of the 43 Tests they have played there while losing only twice.

“It's going to be a variety of challenges, it is unknown obviously, us coming here. We don't know what to expect, we didn't have a warm-up game. We were pretty much thrown into having some practice on wickets that were turning and then obviously out in the middle there was it was quite flat and didn't really offer anything,” he mentioned while talking about the conditions.

What will be final XI?

Warner added that the team management and the tour selection committee will make their mind about a final XI only after having a look at the wicket in Karachi.

Replying to a question, the 35-year-old praised the fans in Rawalpindi.

“I've got nothing but great words to say about the place, it's amazing. You got a scenery of the mountains in the background from the hotel, you can see it from the ground as well. The people were absolutely amazing, they engaged not just the Pakistan team, but for us as well, cheering for both teams. I think they'll be overall excited that cricket was back playing in Pakistan,” he said about his experience in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for the first Test.

“Obviously, there's a lot of people to thank to get this tour up — Cricket Australia, the PCB, the military and police force to make sure everything's safe and sound, and we applaud them for that. And we're grateful for this opportunity,” Warner said.

On fans

The experienced cricketer, since his arrival, has become one of the most favourite Australians in Pakistan with his antics on the field and on social media.

Talking about engaging with fans in Pakistan, Warner said that fans are an important part of the game and it is important to keep them engaged during the games.

“I like to get everyone involved and get the crowd up and going, and that's what I've always tried to do. I engage with the fans, they're the most important people in our game, they come and support us, and we try and put on entertainment if we can, and I just love getting involved,” he said.

“And, you know, it is the first time, obviously, for me over here, we've been here after over two decades, and I think it's important to engage with the fans, not just from a cricketing point of view but from a point of view from where we sit. They follow us on Instagram, they come out to the ground, they support us there. And it's important for us to give back,” the Australian cricketer said.

Will Warner participate in PSL?

He, however, ruled out any immediate plans to participate in the Pakistan Super League saying that the usual schedule clashes with Australia’s international calendar and that’s why it is impossible for him to come and play.

Tribute to Shane Warne

Warner also paid tribute to his idol Shane Warne who passed away last week and said that the news of of the death still hasn’t sunk in.

He said that he will try to fly to Melbourne for Warne’s memorial services.

“When we first found out, we thought as a joke, like it really didn't sink in at all, it still hasn't,” he said.

“As a kid, I had his poster up on the wall, I wanted to be like Shane, and started my career early on by leg-spin and batting middle order. I idolised him. He's just such a likeable guy. And, Australia is obviously worse off with him leaving us,” Warner said.