Australia captain Pat Cummins has given his take on David Warner’s comments that he’s willing to backflip on his retirement if selectors need him for the five-match Test series against India.
The 37-year-old has retired last year from Test cricket, but with Cameron Green out of the side and Steve Smith most likely moving back to number four, a vacancy has opened up at the top of the order – a position Warner held for over a decade.
“‘I’m always available, (the selectors have) just got to pick up the phone,” Warner had told News Corp.
Pat Cummins has turned down Warner’s ambition and said the former opener just wants to stay relevant on the back page of the newspapers.
Australia’s David Warner walks off after he was caught out for 38 runs against Pakistan during their cricket test match in Melbourne, Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)
“Davey we are very interested,” Cummins said on a podcast with The Grade Cricketers.
“We are taking it very seriously. We will be in touch mate,” said Cummins with a laugh.
The Australian captain revealed the chat he has had with David Warner regarding his plans of a comeback.
“I did speak to Davey a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he raised it or I did. He asked, ‘What do you think?’ And I was like,’ Yeah, good luck with Thunder (Sydney) this year.’
“I look forward to your comments on Fox,” said Cummins.
“I reckon he doesn’t mind seeing himself on the back page. We love Davey, but he is retired. Sorry mate!”
‘He’s gone fishing’
Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine, who has played with David Warner is certain that the southpaw was simply fishing for a response from the media and cricket fans.
If I was writing you a text message, it would have the fishing rod emoji because that is what David is doing,” Paine told SEN Tassie.
David Warner touches a plaque installed at the SCG in memory of Phil Hughes before going out to bat. (Reuters)
“He’s gone fishing, and everyone has bitten down hard. Not only have they taken the bait, they’ve eaten the rod and chewed off half his arm at the same time.
“David is retired, he will not be playing in the next Shield game or more Test cricket for Australia. That was clear when he retired.
“But what he has got is one of the great knacks of saying something and people just biting down on it so well done to him.
“I think he’s played everyone beautifully. He says himself, ‘I’ve cheekily messaged both George (Bailey) and Andrew McDonald’.
“He says he’s dead serious, but he’s not dead serious.”
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