Cricket Australia has lifted David Warner’s leadership ban on Friday (October 25). The ban was imposed on him after he was involved in the 2018 sandpaper scandal.
In March 2018 during Australia’s test fixture against South Africa in Newlands, Cameron Bancroft was spotted on TV rubbing the ball with a yellow object. After being shown on TV again, Bancroft decided to hide the object in his trousers. However, after being approached by the umpires, he showed them the sunglasses pouch.
After the day’s play, captain Steve Smith admitted to altering the ball using adhesive tape to extract reverse swing. He confirmed of the leadership group, including vice-captain Warner of orchestrating the plan. From Day 4 onwards, Steve Smith decided to step down as the captain and Tim Paine led the team.
After an investigation conducted by Cricket Australia, Bancroft, Smith and Warner were sanctioned for bringing the game into disrepute. Warner and Smith were handed a 12-month ban and Bancroft was slapped with a nine-month ban.
David Warner was found out to be responsible for creating the plan and instructing Bancroft on how to tamper with the ball. As a result, he was ‘not to be considered for team leadership positions ever again.’ However, with the latest development, Warner could lead the Thunder side in the Big Bash League 2024/25.
The three-member panel deemed Warner’s conduct satisfactory and felt he was deserving of getting his ban lifted. They said in a statement:
“The respectful and contrite tone of his (Warner’s) responses, as well as the content impressed the Review Panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct.”
David Warner retired from international cricket after the completion of 2024 T20 World Cup. He amassed around 19,000 runs across all formats, with 49 centuries.
Pat Cummins shares his opinion on David Warner’s Test return
Recently, Pat Cummins appeared on the The Grade Cricketer’s podcast, and opined on David Warner desiring test return. The former opening batter claimed that he could play a couple of Sheffield Shield games to prepare himself for red-ball cricket.
“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,” Warner told the Daily Telegraph.
Cummins laughed off the idea of Warner making a return to the test team for Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. He hilariously responded by hoping to read Warner’s comments on FOX news for their performances in the series. Further, he also wished Warner good luck for the BBL.
Here’s what the Aussie Test captain said:
“I reckon he doesn’t mind seeing himself on the back page. We love Davey, but he is retired. Sorry mate!”
David Warner’s final Test series took place in December 2023-January 2024 against Pakistan. He emerged as the second-highest run-scorer with 299 runs in six innings while registering a top knock of 164.
