Australia's David Warner says he has a plan for Ravi Ashwin

Australia opener David Warner says he will curb his attacking instincts when he faces India spinner Ravi Ashwin in the forthcoming Test series.

Ashwin has had a superb 12 months - he was by far Test cricket's leading wicket-taker in 2016 - and former Australia captain Steve Waugh described him on Tuesday as the 'Bradman of bowling'.

Warner arrives in the form of his life - since December 6 he has hit six international centuries against Pakistan and New Zealand, but he admits facing Ashwin on Indian wickets will be a much tougher examination of his technique.

"I have to respect a player like Ashwin," he said ahead of the four match series, which will be shown live on Sky Sports. "He thinks like a batsman and I have to be disciplined against him.

"I have a game plan for him - I have to bat against his strength. He is going to be ready for me and we both have to adapt to the situation. It's going to be a great battle for the both of us. I have to bide my time."

Only one batsman can match Warner in terms of form, and that is India captain Virat Kohli, who recently put both England and Bangladesh to the sword.

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Warner said: "Virat Kohli is in the form of the decade. He is a fantastic player and a great sport.

"He is exceptional in all formats and he is taking the entire country on a journey. He wants the country to ride with him. Virat is frank and he calls spade a spade.

"Joe Root, Steve Smith, Faf du Plessis and Kohli thrive on responsibility. These young players are unstoppable. Virat is a great example of scoring big tons."

Australia skipper Steve Smith has backed his players to engage in "verbal battles" with the hosts if the occasion demands, and Warner says "sledging" may not work with Kohli.

"Sledging can work both ways with Virat. Great players know how to deal with it," he said. "We have to find a way of getting into the opposition's minds. It could be banter or field placements.

"It is actually playing your brand of cricket. Sledging or banter is just one of the ways to upset the opposition."