Former Australian captain Lisa Sthalekar has criticized David Warner for his desire to make a Test return. This comes after Warner confirmed his availability for the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024/25 despite retiring from the longest format.
The southpaw played his final test against Pakistan in January 2024. He returned as Australia’s second-highest run-getter with 299 runs in six innings, with a top score of 164 in the series. Warner finished his test career with 8,786 runs in 205 innings at an average of around 45, with 335* as his best knock.
However, Warner recently hogged the news headlines by making a U-turn on his test retirement. The 37-year-old claimed that if the national team needs his services, he can feature in the Sheffield Shield game to make a test return. Here’s what he told the Daily Telegraph:
“I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone. 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.”
Taking note of Warner’s comments, Sthalekar slammed the former opening batter for disturbing the team’s batting-order. She thinks that due to Warner leaving the team on his own terms, the team management could not give chances to young players for the opening slot.
“What baffles me is that this guy had his swansong last summer to say farewell and finish on his terms. One could argue that because of that allowance, the team is in this situation as selectors didn’t use those Tests wisely to blood the next opener,” Lisa Sthalekar told The Nightly.
Further, Lisa Sthalkar opined that it’s the end of the road for David Warner. According to her, the team will be grooming a new opener ahead of Ashes 2025/26.
“Therefore, Warner suggesting to answer the mayday call if it was to come, will only kick the issue down the road again. With England coming out next summer, enough is enough,” she added.
Who can fill in the shoes of David Warner in BGT 2024/25?
The much-awaited BGT 2024/25 between Australia and India is all set to take place from November to January. It will be a crucial series for Australia as they try to win back the trophy after 10 years. Notably, India have won all four bilateral test series since 2014/15.
Filling the shoes of David Warner will be a hard task for any player. Since making his test debut in 2011, the southpaw scored runs at a quick pace and gave a good start to the Australian team.
After Warner’s retirement, Steve Smith opened for the test side against West Indies and New Zealand. He was expected to continue as an opener but Cameron Green’s injury has now impacted the batting order. Now, Smith is likely to bat at No. 4, and a specialist opener will be slotted along with Usman Khawaja.
The probable options for Pat Cummins and Co. are Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw. All three players are experienced in the domestic circuit and have played international cricket as well.
