Watchful Warner more cautious with willow

David Warner has changed his batting approach this Ashes series, with responsibility trumping recklessness.

The renowned swashbuckler has curbed his natural aggression throughout the summer, the latest example a knock of 56 from 104 balls at the SCG on day two of the final Test against England.

Warner used placement and pace between the wickets to score most of his runs rather than power.

The vice-captain created singles from very little and turned ones into twos to keep the scoreboard ticking over with few risks.

It was at the same ground last year he became the first batsman to score a century before lunch on day one of a Test in Australia.

"I have been a bit more watchful," Warner told the Nine Network.

"They've got world class bowlers up front with the new ball. You have to be mindful of a bit of movement.

"That's something I've kept in the back of my mind this summer, just to respect those good balls.

"They're fantastic bowlers and have bowled very well to me, set defensive fields. I had to change my game plan."

Joe Root has regularly employed a deep point to cut down Warner's boundaries from the first ball.

"They got me out the way they wanted to. Now it's about me having a bit of responsibility not to get out the same ways," Warner said.

Warner's tally of 441 runs this series means he trails only Steve Smith, having averaged 63 including a century in Melbourne.

The 31-year-old was undone by a pinpoint offcutter from Jimmy Anderson on Friday, with Jonny Bairstow pocketing the resultant edge.

"I was a bit disappointed. It was a fantastic delivery. I did feel really good," he said.