George Bailey crushes David Warner’s Champions Trophy 2025 comeback dream

Australia chief selector George Bailey talked about the possibility of David Warner playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He said that they are not looking at him as he has retired and should be commended on his incredible career.

Australia opener David Warner has ended his career for the national team. After the T20 World Cup 2024, the Southpaw retired from all the formats. In January called time on his career in Tests and ODIs, saying that ICC World Cup 2023 was his last for the team.

David Warner last played an ODI for Australia in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023. He ended his career on high as Pat Cummins-led side thumped the India National Cricket Team to lift the trophy. After that, he didn't play in the format before taking the call to retire in January.

But recently, David Warner expressed his desire to play for Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025. The senior opener stated that he would be open to playing in the tournament despite announcing his international retirement.

However, George Bailey has declined his request and said that David Warner will be considered retired and he should cherish the legacy left by him. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he explained:

"Our understanding is that David is retired, and [he] should be commended on what has been an incredible career across all three formats. Certainly, we plan that he won't be there in Pakistan. You never know when Bull's joking…think he's just stirring the pot a bit.

"He's had a wonderful career, can't celebrate it enough, and think as time goes by, his legacy of what he has done for Australia and we reflect on that, the legend of a player is only going to continue to grow. But as far as this team goes and the journey to transition to some different players, in his case across all three formats, it's going to be exciting."

I don't think there's anyone who's not there that we've put a line through permanently besides David Warner - George Bailey

George Bailey further made a huge statement, saying that David Warner was the only permanent player in the team but they are now excited to give opportunities. He also ruled out the possibility of Matthew Wade making a comeback, saying that they will be giving longer rope to Josh Inglis. He stated:

"I don't think there's anyone who's not there that we've put a line through permanently besides David. This is the way we are going with this squad. If opportunities arise or there are gaps at different points there's nothing to say that Wadey might not come back, but certainly, at this point, we are excited about giving Josh [Inglis] a run."

David Warner has played 161 ODIs for the Australia National Cricket Team and scored 6932 runs to his name from an average of over 45. He also slammed 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries in his career.