David Warner Archives

David Warner to lead Sydney Thunder after his leadership ban lifted

David Warner was named captain of the Big Bash League (BBL) team Sydney Thunder on Wednesday, a fortnight after having his lifetime ban on any leadership role in Australian cricket lifted.

Warner was cast as the main villain in the so-called “Sandpapergate” scandal in the Cape Town Test of 2018.

The opening batter, who this year retired from international cricket, conspired with Australia’s then-skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to tamper with the surface of the ball using sandpaper.

He was suspended from playing for a year and banned from any leadership role for life. A Cricket Australia (CA) panel last month decided that Warner met the criteria to have the ban lifted immediately, noting his “respectful and contrite tone”.

“David Warner has officially been announced as Sydney Thunder captain,” said a club statement Wednesday.

Thunder will begin their season in the Twenty20 BBL against Adelaide Strikers in Canberra on December 17.

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“Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me,” said the 38-year-old Warner. “I was part of the team from the start and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic.”

“I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through.”

Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said: “This is a huge moment for David and for our club.

“It’s not only about his career; it’s about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.

“For the fans in Western Sydney who’ve long recognised David as a Thunder legend, it’s a special moment to now see him as their captain.

“This captaincy is about more than cricket; it’s about community, legacy, and helping our younger players gain the skills they need to succeed.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi makes significant leap in ICC All-Rounder Rankings

Pat Cummins offers blunt take on David Warner’s Test return

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins recently addressed the possibility of opening batter David Warner potentially reversing his retirement decision to participate in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The left-handed batter sent shockwaves in Australian cricket earlier this week, expressing his willingness to represent Australia again during the upcoming series against India, starting from November 22 in Perth.

However, during an interview with Code Sports, Warner shared his eagerness to take back his retirement for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, only if, the selectors show faith in him.

“I am always available, just got to pick up the phone. I am always dead serious,” said Warner. “Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red-ball game since their last Test match in February, so I’ve also had the same preparation.”

The Southpaw also expressed interest in playing in the Sheffield Shield to exhibit his form and fitness.

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“Honestly, if they need me for the series, I am more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play. I retired for the right reasons, but my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I am not going to shy away from that,” he added.

Now, Pat Cummins reacted with a sarcastic take on Warner’s wish to return to the Australian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate,” the Australian skipper quipped before revealing that he had spoken to David Warner days earlier on the matter.

“I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he reached out or I did… he’s like, ‘What do you think?’, and I was like, ‘Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your comments on Fox!’” Pat Cummins said.

It’s worth noting that David Warner retired from Test cricket earlier this year in front of the home crowd in Sydney during the third Test against Pakistan. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the last Test series of his career, scoring 299 runs at an average of 49.83.

READ: Cricket Australia lifts David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban

Cricket Australia lifts David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban

Cricket Australia (CA) has lifted the lifetime ban on former opening batter David Warner from holding any leadership position within the country’s cricket, which had been imposed after the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

It follows the 37-year-old presenting his case to have the terms of the original sanction amended before a three-person panel.

They found unanimously that Warner met all criteria to have the ban lifted immediately, noting his “respectful and contrite tone” and that he acknowledged responsibility for his conduct.

David Warner has retired from the international game, but the decision opens the door for a leadership role at his Big Bash League club Sydney Thunder.

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“I am pleased David has chosen to have his sanction reviewed and that he will be eligible to take up leadership positions in Australian cricket this summer,” said Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley.

Warner was cast as the key villain in the so-called “Sandpaper-gate” scandal in Cape Town in 2018, having conspired with then-skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to illegally alter the surface of the ball.

He was suspended from playing for a year and banned from any leadership role for life.

In his application to have the ban overturned, Warner provided references from current Australian skipper Pat Cummins and coach Andrew McDonald. Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson also vouched for him.

READ: Sundar spins web as India book New Zealand on 259 in second Test

David Warner ready to come out of retirement for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Former opening batter David Warner has recently expressed his willingness to represent Australia again during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.

Australia will host India for a five-match Test series, starting from November 22 in Perth. The second match will be played in Adelaide from December 6, followed by the third Test in Brisbane, scheduled from December 14-18.

The iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will host the fourth match from December 26, while the final Test will be played in Sydney from January 3.

David Warner retired from Test cricket earlier this year in front of the home crowd in Sydney during the third Test against Pakistan. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the last Test series of his career, scoring 299 runs at an average of 49.83.

However, during an interview with Code Sports, Warner shared his eagerness to take back his retirement for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, only if, the selectors show faith in him.

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The Southpaw also expressed interest in playing in the Sheffield Shield to exhibit his form and fitness.

David Warner has represented Australia in 112 Test matches since his debut against New Zealand in 2011. Over his illustrious career, he has amassed 8,786 runs, which includes an outstanding 26 centuries.

READ: Pakistan vice-captain banks on spin strategy in England series decider

Bowlers wreak havoc as Wolves crush Tigers in GT20 Canada

BRAMPTON: Andrew Tye and Thomas Draca decimated Bangla Tigers Mississauga’s batting lineup before David Warner led Brampton Wolves to a dominating eight-wicket victory in the 14th match of the GT20 Canada 2024.

Wolves’ captain David Warner’s decision to bowl first bore fruits as his bowlers ran through the Tigers’ batting lineup and booked them for a paltry 79 in 13 overs.

Leading the way with the ball were Tye and Draca, who shared six wickets between them.

But Tye was supported by Jack Jarvis in the early phase of the phase as the duo swept the Tigers’ top order before eventually restricting them to 13/5 in 4.2 overs.

Following the early debacle, Iftikhar Ahmed put together a fighting partnership with David Wiese and added 27 runs for the sixth wicket.

The pair showed notable resilience against the ruthless Wolves’ bowling attack until Draca dismissed both of them in his successive overs to leave the Tigers reeling at 49/7.

Iftikhar remained the top scorer for the Tigers with a 17-ball 19 while Wiese scored 10.

The Tigers then lost two more wickets before Shoriful Islam offered some fightback with a four-ball 12.

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Andrew Tye and Thomas Draca picked three wickets each for the Wolves while Abhijai Mansingh and Jack Jarvis bagged two each.

Chasing a modest 80-run target, the Wolves comfortably knocked the winning runs for the loss of just two wickets and 52 balls to spare.

The home side, however, had a contrasting start to the pursuit as they lost their opener Kobe Herft for a duck in the first over.

But Warner soon put the Wolves in control when he put together an anchoring 41-run partnership for the second wicket with Jack Jarvis, who scored a scratchy 11 off 16.

Wolves’ skipper David Warner was joined by Beau Webster and the duo combined for an unbeaten 39 partnership to steer their side to a resounding victory.

Warner remained the top-scorer for the Wolves with an unbeaten 44 off 36 deliveries, laced up with six fours and a six while Webster made a 15-ball 23.

For the Tigers, Ali Khan and Wiese could pick up a wicket.

The eight-wicket victory lifted Brampton Wolves to replace Bangla Tigers Mississauga to claim the second spot in GT20 Canada 2024 standings with six points in five matches.

READ: MS Dhoni shares insights about his bond with Virat Kohli

David Warner “won’t be there in Pakistan” for Champions Trophy 2025

Former Australia opener David Warner “won’t be there in Pakistan” for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 despite his interest in participating in the multi-lateral tournament.

Warner, who declared that the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 would be his last appearance for Australia in the format, confirmed the decision ahead of his final Test earlier this year.

The left-handed opener, however, left the door open for his return in Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan.

“I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up. If I’m playing decent cricket in two years time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available,” stated Warner.

Recently, David Warner once again expressed, through an Instagram post, that he is ready to play for Australia in the eight-team event, if the management selects him.

“Chapter closed!! It’s been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period. Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level,” Warner wrote on Instagram.

“It’s been an honour to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight. I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Australia in the Champions trophy if selected,” he added.

However, Australia’s national selector George Bailey shared Monday that David Warner is considered “retired” and not in plans for the Champions Trophy 2025 and instead emphasized that his legacy across formats should be commended.

“Our understanding is that David is retired, and [he] should be commended on what has been an incredible career across all three formats. Certainly, our planning is that he won’t be there in Pakistan,” said Bailey.

“You never know when Bull’s joking…think he’s just stirring the pot a bit. He’s had a wonderful career, can’t celebrate it enough, and think as time goes by, his legacy of what he has done for Australia and we reflect back on that, the legend of a player is only going to continue to grow. But as far as this team goes and the journey to transition to some different players, in his case across all three formats, it’s going to be exciting,” he concluded.

READ: PCB appoints Australia’s Tony Hemming as chief curator

David Warner ‘open’ to playing Champions Trophy 2025 ‘if selected’

Australian opening batter David Warner has recently expressed his willingness to play in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled in Pakistan.

The left-handed batter announced his retirement from ODI cricket earlier this year on the eve of his farewell Test against Pakistan. However, he did not rule out the possibility of turning out to play in the Champions Trophy 2025, only if the team needs him.

His last ODI was the final of the World Cup 2023, where Australia defeated India to lift their record-sixth title.

Recently, he once again expressed, through an Instagram post, that he is ready to play for Australia in the eight-team event, if the management selects him.

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A post shared by David Warner (@davidwarner31)

Australia’s ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins has previously hinted at moving on and giving chance to young players, however, he did not completely rule out the possibility of Warner’s return, calling it an ’emergency option.

“I think it’s probably time to give some others a crack [in ODIs], but knowing that he’s going to still be playing cricket,” he said. “So it might be more of a kind of break glass in an emergency option. But, you know, David is going to be scoring runs somewhere in the world. So you never quite know that this is [the end].”

Warner has represented Australia in 161 ODIs, scoring 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 with 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries.

READ: England announce Playing XI for James Anderson’s farewell Test against West Indies

David Warner announces retirement from ODI cricket ahead of farewell Test

SYDNEY: Australian opening batter David Warner announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday ahead of his farewell Test against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Warner previously announced that the Sydney Test, which would commence on January 3, 2024, would be his final appearance in Test cricket.

He has also confirmed his retirement from ODI cricket, however, he has not ruled out the possibility of turning out to play in Champions Trophy 2025, only if the team needs him.

David Warner announced his decision during a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“I’ve got to give back to the family and also on the back of that I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well,” Warner announced.

“That was something that I had said through the World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that’s a massive achievement.”

Warner also stated the fact that leaving ODI cricket will allow him to feature in more T20 franchise leagues around the globe.

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“So I’ll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (T20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit,” he added.

But the veteran opening batter has left the door open for his return in Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan.

“I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up. If I’m playing decent cricket in two years time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available,” he concluded.

Warner will continue to represent Australia in the T20I format with a T20 World Cup scheduled later this year in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies.

The 37-year-old will his feature in his 112th and final Test against Pakistan, starting from January 3rd, having amassed 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58, with 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, he has featured in 161 ODIs, scoring 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 with 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries.

READ: Australia unveil 13-member squad for Sydney Test

David Warner becomes Australia’s second-highest run-scorer in international cricket

MELBOURNE: Left-hand opening batter David Warner surpassed former captain Steve Waugh to become the second-highest run-scorer in international cricket for Australia during the first day of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at MCG on Tuesday.

David Warner scored 38 runs against Pakistan before he was dismissed by Salman Ali Agha after being dropped earlier by Abdullah Shafique when he was at 2.

Warner has scored 18,502 runs in 460 innings across three formats during his illustrious career since making his debut in 2009 during South Africa’s tour of Australia.

What a career!

Now behind only Ricky Ponting for men's international runs for Australia 🇦🇺 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/obvZcmn0cw

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 26, 2023

He surpassed former captain Steve Waugh, who scored 18,496 in 548 innings at an average of 41.65.

The southpaw is now only behind the two-time World Cup-winning captain, Ricky Ponting, who has accumulated 27,368 runs in 667 innings during a career spanning 17 years.

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Notably, Australia scored 187-3 against Pakistan on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) with Marnus Labuschagne (44) and Travis Head (9) on the crease.

The second Test was interrupted by rain in the latter half of the day, consequently allowing only 66 overs of play.

Playing XIs

Australia

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Aamer Jamal

READ: Usman Khawaja sports shoes with daughters’ names in Boxing Day Test

David Warner brushes off Mitchell Johnson’s criticism

David Warner brushed off scathing criticism from former teammate Mitchell Johnson over his selection for Australia’s Test series against Pakistan, saying Friday: “Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions.”

Johnson lashed out in a newspaper column after veteran opener Warner was picked for the three-match home series starting next week in what is expected to be his Test farewell.

Mitchell Johnson questioned why the 37-year-old should get a “hero’s send-off” given his recent poor Test form while bringing up Warner’s central role in the “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

Steve Smith and David Warner were both banned for a year for their part in the notorious incident.

“It wouldn’t be summer without a headline,” Warner said at an event to launch broadcaster Fox Sports’ summer cricket coverage.

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“It is what it is. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions. But moving forward, we’re looking for a nice Test over in the west (of Australia).”

The first Test starts in Perth on December 14 before moving to Melbourne and then Sydney, where David Warner is hoping for an emotional farewell in front of his home fans.

Warner’s long-time opening partner Usman Khawaja rallied behind him following Johnson’s comments, saying that “no one’s perfect”, with allrounder Glenn Maxwell also offering support.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins said the team were “fiercely protective” of the 109-Test veteran, who has been a fixture of the side for 12 years.

“I think we protect each other a lot. We have been through a lot over the years,” he said, sitting alongside Warner at the same broadcast function.

“Our boys, I’ve played alongside someone like Davey or Steve (Smith) for a dozen years now. (We are) fiercely protective of each other.”

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