Sydney: Australian opener David Warner is reportedly enjoying batting in the middle order in the Indian Premier League and is viewing it as a challenge, although he admitted that he `loves` opening.

Warner has been batting at number four for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, warming to the role for his own personal development and maturity as a cricketer given that he crunched 55 runs off 31 balls in his most recent outing against the Mumbai Indians.

According to News.com.au, Warner believes the ability to bat patiently through the middle period at the crease before thundering ahead in his trademark style will be beneficial for his own game ahead of a nine-month period that includes a Twenty20 and one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi and a World Cup early next year.

Stating that he loves opening and would play in that role for his country, Warner however, said that in the IPL, he is enjoying the challenge of trying to `steady the ship` in the middle order until the last couple of overs, adding that he feels it is helpful for his game when he `changes gears`.