In preparation for the forthcoming five-Test series against India, legendary Australian opener David Warner has stated his intention to come out of retirement.
Warner, who said goodbye to Test cricket against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January, has expressed interest in donning the “Baggy Green” once more as Australia struggles to find an opening partner for Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, who are both having trouble finding form in the opening position.
Smith has only scored 171 runs at an average of 28.50 in eight innings as an opener. The selection committee, under the direction of George Bailey, has confirmed Smith’s restoration to his number four spot as a result of this.
“Just pick up the phone; I’m always accessible. I’m always quite serious. Since the boys haven’t played a red-ball game since their February Test matches, let’s face it, I’ve essentially had the same amount of preparation. Warner told Code Sports, “To be honest, I’d be more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play if they needed me for this series.”
I’ll raise my hand if they are in dire need of someone: David Warner
Australia’s options are further limited as a result of Cameron Green‘s unavailability due to a stress fracture, making the situation more difficult for the team. Warner’s optimism encourages conversation even as the selectors take into account less experienced candidates like Marcus Harris and 19-year-old Sam Konstas.
The southpaw has 8747 Test runs at an average of 45.08, including 26 hundreds, making his record as an opener nothing short of extraordinary.
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“I did retire for the right reasons—I wanted to finish the game. My hand is up, though, if they are in dire need of someone. “I’m not going to back down from that,” he declared.