New Delhi: Iconic Australian batter David Warner has dropped a bombshell statement ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia next month. Warner has expressed willingness to reverse his retirement for the upcoming five-match home Test series against the Asian giants.
Warner had hung up his boots from Test cricket after Australia’s home series against Pakistan in 2023/24. The Australian side promoted Steve Smith to take Warner’s opening slot against the home series against West Indies with the right-hander opening the innings with Usman Khawaja.
Smith, who has made his name batting in the middle order for almost all his career, continued to open batting, in New Zealand, but found little success. However, in the absence of Cameron Green, who has been ruled out with an injury for the upcoming home series against India, Smith might return to reclaim the No.4 spot in the team.
If Smith returns to the middle order, Australia are likely to select one of Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft to partner Khawaja in the opening slot. Western Australia captain Sam Whiteman and New South Wales prodigy Sam Konstas are also in the reckoning.
Amidst the selection dilemma for the opening slot, Warner has made an explosive statement, making the job of selectors even tougher.
“I am more than happy to play”
In an interaction with Code Sports, Warner said: “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 since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve almost had the same preparation.”
Warner also said if the selectors want to consider him for the series, he can get into the rhythm of red-ball cricket by playing the next Shield game. Warner added that while he retired for the right reasons, he is always ready to help Australia if the team is in a desperate situation.
Warner had quit Tests with 8,786 runs from 112 matches at 44.59. He hit 20 of his 26 Test hundreds at home and averaged 57.85 on home soil.
India’s tour of Australia kicks off on November 22 with Perth Stadium hosting the opening Test of the five-Test series.
