"I’m always available" - David Warner ready to come out of retirement ahead of 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Retired Australian opener David Warner has put his hand up to open for the national team in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The left-handed opener assured the selectors that he is available if they desperately need someone at the top and is ready to play the next Sheffield Shield fixture.
The New South Wales opener ended his international career following Australia's exit in T20 World Cup 2024. He last played Test cricket for Australia earlier this year against Pakistan in Sydney and retired as one of their best openers. Nevertheless, Australia are yet to zero in on an opener since his retirement.
Speaking to News Corp, the veteran said he is on the same level of preparation for the Test series as the other players. Hence, the southpaw disclosed that he has no qualms about participating in a Sheffield Shield fixture. He said:
"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 (first round of the shield) 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. 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."
The likes of Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft have shown promising signs of capturing the position at the top. However, their most recent returns in the domestic circuit haven't been convincing.
"Konstas can definitely in time be that long-term opening batsman" - David Warner
Warner also gave his thoughts on Australia's batting order, suggesting that Cameron Green's absence can create some headaches for them. He also threw Konstas' name in the ring to become their opener in the long run.
"My take on it is I liked what they were thinking last year with the fact Greeny is in their best top six. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an opener. I think you can have someone else that can come in and bat three and Marnus could open.
"Konstas can definitely in time be that long-term opening batsman … and look there is every opportunity for him there to potentially do that, but I think you still have to see a little bit more."
The five-Test series against India begins on November 22 in Perth.