David Warner, the attack dog of the Ashes whitewash four years ago, says Australia must dig within themselves to find a "hatred" for England when the Test series begins at the Gabba next month.

The Australian opener admits he purposely played a role in trying to grind down England psychologically during the 2013-14 series, describing the tourists' batsmen as having "scared eyes" midway through the first Test and in particular taking aim at Jonathan Trott over the way he capitulated against a short-bowling barrage from Mitchell Johnson.

Raw emotion: Dave Warner celebrates scoring a century in the 2013 Ashes Test in Perth. Credit:AP

Trott would leave the tour after that match, citing a stress-related issue, and Australia went on to thump England 5-0 as Johnson's summer-long onslaught delivered him 37 wickets.

Warner is a different character these days, rising to the vice-captaincy since then and having led the team as recently as last week at the tail end of Australia's limited-overs tour of India. While the 30-year-old has assumed a more mild demeanour since the days of barking at Alistair Cook's England on their last visit if there is anything that can trigger a glimpse of his former self it is the Ashes. Once again Australia face the assignment of attempting to regain them, having lost to England 3-2 in 2015.