David Warner called out for creating unnecessary drama by ex-partner before Border-Gavaskar Trophy

As the countdown to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 intensifies, Usman Khawaja has laughed out at David Warner's bold suggestion to come out of retirement for the upcoming high-voltage five-match Test series against India, starting on November 22 in Perth.

David Warner, ever the entertainer, had declared to be ready to open the batting once again after Cameron Green ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and Steve Smith’s return to No. 4 left Usman Khawaja without an opening partner. Notably, Warner retired from all formats of the game earlier this year, forcing Australia to bat on Nathan McSweeney.

Usman Khawaja mocks David Warner's retirement comeback claim ahead of Border-Gavaskar 2024-25

However, at that time, Australia didn’t finalize their opening batter, but now it is confirmed that Nathan McSweeney will open the innings along with Khawaja. Notably, David Warner’s lighthearted comment during the ODI series against Pakistan turned heads, but Khawaja was quick to dismiss it with a grin.

Read Also: Perth Pitch Curator vows to end Virat Kohli's career in India vs Australia Tests

He described his former opening partner and close friend David Warner's remark as “hilarious” and a typical move to stir up drama. Khawaja couldn't help but poke fun at Warner, saying the former Australian batting icon knows exactly how to make headlines, even when it's all in good humor.

He knows how to create drama: Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja was quoted as saying by the Wide World of Sports: “Ah, big Davey's hilarious. He's just throwing the fishing line out there, as he does. He knows how to create drama. There's no doubt he could probably still do it, but he's gone; he had a great end last year, a great retirement. I love Davey... He's still rocking the boat. That's Davey; that's why I love him. He loves stirring people up.”

However, the seasoned batter believes that David Warner is able to reverse his retirement even if he gets a last-minute call from the Australian selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Although Khawaja stressed that Warner is happy playing T20 cricket and spending time with his family now.

Khawaja further explained, “If there was an SOS, I'm sure Davey would be like, 'All right, if you guys really need me...' I think it was a bit of tongue-in-cheek [talk]. I think he's quite happy playing his T20 stuff and spending time with family, and he's in a good space.”

Read Also: Team India locked down in Perth; strict restrictions imposed on Phone Usage

Beware of the wounded dog: Usman Khawaja warns Australia

Speaking on India, who are coming into the Test series following a 0-3 Test series loss to New Zealand at home, the Australian opener noted: “They're a very good side. I still look at their team and think, 'They've got terrific batsmen, they've got terrific bowlers, they've got great spinners.' They're a complete team, much like we are.”

He signed off by saying, “Yeah, they might have lost three games, but different conditions; they're going to come out here; they're going to be hungry; it's Test cricket. Honestly, I think it's always going to be a tough series. They're always our toughest series. Beware of the wounded dog.”