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Former Australian opener David Warner has stated that he is willing to participate in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy if the senior national men's team needs him. Further, Warner also stated that he is ready to participate in Australia's top domestic red-ball competition, the Sheffield Shield, should he be required to start batting for Australia against India in the eagerly awaited five-match test series.
Warner was open to returning for the Champions Trophy after retiring from international cricket following the T20 World Cup. He did, however, state that if the team needs him, he is prepared to return and participate in the crucial test series. In January of this year, he played in his final international test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
I am happy to come back if they need me: David Warner
David Warner's call comes as the team management and Australian selectors are trying to find an opening partner for Usman Khawaja. With selection committee head George Bailey having declared earlier in October that Steve Smith will no longer open and will instead return to his No. 4 place, there is a void in the Australian Test lineup.
David Warner had earlier mentioned his availability if the management and teams want him to play. He won't shy away to return to the field. "I am always available, just got to pick up the phone. I am always 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," David Warner told Code Sports. He added, "Honestly, if they needed me 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.
He further added, “(But) my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I'm not going to shy away from that.” There were concerns over whether Steve Smith would stay as an opener, given the significance of the upcoming five-match home series against India. At an average of 28.50, he scored just 171 runs in 8 innings, which is much less than his lifetime average of 56.
All-rounder Cameron Green, who had surgery for a stress fracture in his back, will also be missed by Australia. The 5-test series Border-Gavaskar Trophy India tour of Australia will start on 22nd November 2024, and the last test will be played on 3rd January 2025 in Australia.
