Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), the big question mark for Australia is at the top of the order, with the team struggling to find an opening partner for Usman Khawaja following David Warner’s retirement. While Warner quit Test cricket in January after the series against Pakistan, he has made a sensational u-turn and revealed he is ready to make a comeback for the five-match Test series against India.
Warner claimed he was serious about his intention to play and pointed out that he has the same match practice as other players in the team. The 37-year-old revealed he texted Australian coach Andrew McDonald about his readiness to play Test cricket again. The Australian legend further stated he will play the next round of Sheffield Sheild matches if the team needs him back.
“I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone. I’m always dead serious. Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red ball game (first round of the shield) since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve almost had the same preparation.
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“Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play.I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game, and I wanted to finish. (But) my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I’m not going to shy away from that,” said Warner to NewsCorp.
“I’ve cheekily messaged both. I’ve spoken to Torch (McDonald) and his answer back to me was; ‘you retired. “I don’t think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying; ‘can you come back?’,” Warner added.
Australia’s Opening Mess
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Following Warner’s retirement, Australia took a surprising call by promoting Steve Smith to the opening slot. However, the talisman batter struggled in the role as he played four Tests and made just 171 runs in eight innings at an average of 28.50 with one half-century.
The Australian selectors have already confirmed that Smith will bat at number four against India. Cameron Green batted at number four against the West Indies and New Zealand, but the star all-rounder will miss the BGT following a back surgery.
Warner had also confirmed his retirement from ODI cricket at the same time as he bid adieu to Test cricket but kept the door open to play the 2025 Champions Trophy. The 2024 T20 World Cup also marked his retirement from the shortest format and as things stand is his last appearance for Australia across formats.
Warner is Australia’s fifth-highest run-getter in Test cricket history with 8786 runs in 112 matches at an average of 44.59 with 26 centuries.