IND vs AUS: David Warner ready to reverse retirement for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

In a shocking twist, former Australian opener David Warner has expressed his desire to come out of Test retirement and rejoin the national side for the upcoming five-match series against India.

The 37-year-old, who retired from Test cricket last summer, has sensationally declared that he is ready to take a U-turn if called upon for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India.

David Warner ready to step back into Test Cricket for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Australia has struggled to find a stable partner for Usman Khawaja at the top of the batting order in Test cricket, with several options, including Steve Smith, falling short of expectations. Travis Head can be an option, but the team management is not sure about his explosiveness as a Test opener.

On the other hand, Marcus Harris and Sam Konstas have been reportedly in contention to join Usman Khawaja at the top of the batting order for the upcoming high-profile five-match Test series against India at home. Cameron Bancroft is another suitable option for the opening role.

Amidst the discussions and predictions, David Warner, who was regarded as one of Australia’s greatest openers, has hinted that he may even feature in New South Wales' next Sheffield Shield match to prove he’s still match-ready if his country needs him.

Despite initial thoughts that his comments might be lighthearted, Warner confirmed that he was serious about his potential return to Test cricket for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India, starting later next month in Perth.

I'm ready if they really need myself for this series: David Warner

The former left-handed batter believes that his preparation is on par with the current squad, as they've only played a single red-ball game since their last Test in February. David Warner insisted that he is open to playing in New South Wales' next Sheffield Shield match to prove he's ready.

David Warner was quoted as saying by News Corp: “I’m always available; I just got to pick up the phone. I’m always dead serious. Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red ball game (first round of the shield) since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve almost had the same preparation.”

The Aussie legend further noted, “Honestly, if they really 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.”

I don’t think they want to give me the pleasure- Warner

Warner also revealed that he even reached out to Australian head coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey to convey that he's ready to step out of retirement, but they reminded him of his retirement decision after 112 Tests.

He signed off by saying, “I’ve cheekily messaged both. I’ve spoken to Torch (McDonald), and his answer back to me was, ‘You retired.' I don’t think he wants to give me the pleasure of him saying, ‘Can you come back?’”

David Warner has confirmed his availability for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

- He's ready to participate in the Sheffield Shield in order to prepare for BGT. (Code Sports). pic.twitter.com/N2Kf5iVpnn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 22, 2024