Ahead of his 100th test for Australia in a Boxing Day match against South Africa in Melbourne, David Warner vowed to keep fighting despite having his back ¡°up against the wall¡± after his recent struggles in cricket¡¯s longest format.

Warner has not scored a test century in almost three years, and his declining output has led to speculation he might retire from the format.

However, selectors have said he is part of Australia¡¯s plans for its tour of India starting in February.

Playing in his 100th test match ¡°means the world to me,¡± Warner told reporters. ¡°It¡¯s the same old cliche but it¡¯s obviously a massive occasion.

¡°I¡¯m living every housing commission boy¡¯s dream ¡ª I wanted to play cricket for Australia and I¡¯m doing that now,¡± said Warner, who was raised in public housing in an underprivileged neighbourhood of Matraville.

¡°My back¡¯s up against the wall but it¡¯s in my DNA to keep being competitive and take on whatever opposition I¡¯m going to face ... I couldn¡¯t be any more proud of myself, my family for getting me here and my closest friends.¡±

Warner struggled in the recent 2-0 whitewash of West Indies amid off-field distractions brought on by his aborted bid to have his permanent leadership ban lifted. He then scored 0 and 3 runs in Australia¡¯s victory over South Africa in the first test.

The 36-year old said his mental health was not where it ¡°needed to be¡± ahead of the West Indies series, crediting his teammates and family for helping him through a difficult period.

¡°It¡¯s Christmas time, the festive part of year, I¡¯m in a great headspace now getting ready for this training session and pumped to walk out and play another Boxing Day test, but more importantly with a series on the line,¡± Warner said.