Aussie Star David Warner Comes Out of Retirement for BGT

If the Australian team needs him for the massive Border-Gavaskar Trophy commencing next month, David Warner has made the outrageous claim that he is prepared to come out of retirement. Following the Pakistan Test series earlier this year, Warner declared his retirement from Test cricket. With 8786 runs in 112 games, including 26 hundred and 37 fifties, he concluded his storied Test career. Warner has stated that if CA wants him for the five-test series, he is prepared to come out of retirement and participate in a Sheffield Shield match to prepare for the contest.

With Steve Smith failing in the opening slot and Usman Khawaja unable to find a suitable opening partner, 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. Smith has only scored 171 runs in eight innings as an opener, averaging 28.50. Smith's reinstatement to his number four spot has been confirmed by the selection committee, which George Bailey heads.

David Warner expresses his desire to play:

David Warner says he's available to play against India if the selectors call 😮

(via @BenHorne8) #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/sGXWJAdZfc

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) October 22, 2024

Talking to Code Sports, David Warner stated, "I am always available, just got to pick up the phone. I am 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. 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. (But) my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I’m not going to shy away from that."

Cameron Green's absence due to a stress fracture has made things more difficult for the team and significantly reduced Australia's alternatives. Warner's optimism encourages conversation even as the selectors take into account young talents like 19-year-old Sam Konstas and seasoned Marcus Harris.

With 8747 Test runs at an average of 45.08, including 26 hundreds, the southpaw has an absolutely stellar opening record. "I wanted to finish the game, so I did retire for the proper reasons. However, if they are in dire need of someone, I'm willing to help. I won't be afraid of that," he declared.

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