"Good luck with the Thunder this year. I'll look forward to your comments on Fox" - Pat Cummins rules out David Warner's return for 2024/25 BGT
Australian skipper Pat Cummins ruled out the possibility of ace batter David Warner returning to the side for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home against India. Warner retired from Tests after his farewell outing against Pakistan in Sydney at the start of the year. He also walked away from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup.
However, with the Test side still searching for an opening partner to Usman Khawaja, Warner recently stunned everyone by stating his willingness to return for the India series.
"I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone. I’m 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 really needed myself for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play," said Warner to Code Sports.
However, speaking to the Grade Cricketer, Cummins first made a sarcastic comment before revealing his recent phone call with Warner.
"Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate," a sarcastic Cummins said.
"I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he reached out or I did… he’s like, 'What do you think?', and I was like, 'Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your comments on Fox!' he added.
Warner remains Australia's fifth leading run-scorer in Tests with 8.786 runs at an average of 44.59, including 26 centuries.
Meanwhile, the India-Australia five-Test series starts in Perth on November 22.
"We love Davey but he is retired" - Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins felt David Warner's remarks on being ready to come back for the India series was partly a wind-up.
The 37-year-old played the back half of the last home Test series against India, which Australia lost 1-2.
"I think the truth’s somewhere in the middle. I reckon it is a bit of a wind-up but I reckon he doesn’t mind seeing himself in the back page. We love Davey but he is retired," said Cummins.
Following Warner's retirement, Australia tried veteran batter Steve Smith at the top of the order for the next four Tests. However, the move did not go to plan, resulting in them confirming that Smith would bat at his customary No.4 position in the India series.