- Explosive development ahead of series against India
- The proposed return angered many cricket fans in X
Cricket fans have criticized ‘retired’ David Warner after the polarizing Australian batsman sensationally announced that he is available for selection ahead of the upcoming Test series against India.
Warner, 37, apparently played his last Test at the SCG in January against Pakistan, but has now indicated he is eager to face the new ball alongside Usman Khawaja if required.
‘I’m very serious. Let’s be honest, the boys have played a red-ball game since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve had almost the same preparation,” Warner said. News Corporation.
“Honestly, if they really needed me for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next (Sheffield) Shield game (for NSW) and then go out and play.
“I retired for the right reasons to finish the game and I wanted to finish.” (But) my hand is raised if they desperately need someone. I’m not going to shy away from that.’
The shocking announcement angered cricket fans on social media.
“This guy is an incredible narcissist,” one posted on X.
Another posted in response: ‘Please don’t do it. “His farewell tour against the worst is the reason we are in this situation.”
Cricket fans have criticized ‘retired’ David Warner (pictured with wife Candice) after he announced he is available to play Tests against India.
Warner and the Australian team made a huge deal in his final Test at the SCG in January (pictured), leaving cricket fans furious now that he has done a 180-degree turn to retire.
The shocking announcement angered some cricket fans on X, with one labeling Warner an “incredible narcissist”.
Another called for Warner to “disappear” ahead of the series against India next month.
A small minority of fans were open to the bold idea, with some feeling that Warner is an “irreplaceable beast” at the top of the order.
A third chimed in: ‘Can you just disappear? No one has called an SOS for you. We love life without you.’
Warner also confirmed he had been in contact with Australia men’s coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey about the proposed explosive move.
The handsome batsman made his Test debut in 2011 against New Zealand and finished with an average of 44.59 which included 26 centuries.
If the selectors overlook Warner, Victorian Marcus Harris is likely to open the batting with Khawaja.
Other options include Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw and teenage prodigy Sam Konstas.
Steve Smith will drop in the batting order to four after all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out for six months after suffering a stress fracture in his lower back that required surgery.
The first Test against India in Perth begins on November 22.