(MENAFN- Kora) Warner blasted 145 from 156 deliveries as the tourists took a grip on the third and final Test in Cape Town on Tuesday
After reaching 303-5, Australia declared with a lead of 510 before taking four South African wickets to leave them 71-4 with three sessions to see out for an unlikely draw in the last day on Wednesday.
Warner caused controversy heading into the game after accusing the hosts of ball-tampering and had been told by opposing captain Graeme Smith to expect rough treatment
However, after 135 in the first innings, Warner showed his class again in the second innings and believes the added tension pre-match helped him find another level in his game
"You don't always want to play like that but when there is a little bit of pressure on I do find another gear," the 27-year-old explained
"It does help me sometimes but I think the other thing is that when I get out there and they start giving me a little bit of banter I love that I am in the contest then
"If they are not going to talk to me when I am out there I will try to niggle them, I will try and say something when I bat. I've ventured away from that because now I have given ammo out in the media or in previous games. I love it when they come at me, it is a challenge.
Warner remained diplomatic when asked if he is now the world's best opening batsman, but is confident he has never been in finer form during his career
"I'm just elated that I'm in good form," he said
"I'm probably playing the best cricket I have in my career so far
"It's fantastic to feel like you know when you go out there you can take on the world's best as I have so far. It's an amazing feeling but it'll be even better if we win this game.
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