David Warner has expressed his readiness to come out of retirement to play for Australia in the upcoming five-match Test series against India, which kicks off on November 22. Warner, who announced his retirement from Test cricket last summer after 112 matches and 26 centuries, indicated that he could fill the opening spot if needed.
In Warner’s absence, Steve Smith stepped up to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja but is expected to move back down the order for the series against India. Australia faces a tough challenge as they look to break a four-series losing streak against India, with their last Test victory over the visitors dating back to 2015.
“I’m always available; just need to pick up the phone,” Warner told News Corp.
“Let’s be honest, the guys have only played one red-ball match since their last Test in February, so I’ve had similar preparation. If they truly need me for this series, I’m ready to play in the next Shield game and step in.”
Warner retired for personal reasons, aiming to exit the sport on a high note. However, he remains open to returning if selectors find themselves in a bind. With Cameron Green sidelined due to a stress fracture in his lower back, Australia is actively searching for another opener. One possibility is 19-year-old talent Sam Konstas, who recently scored two centuries in his first Sheffield Shield match.
Other options like wicketkeeper-batter Cameron Bancroft and Matthew Renshaw have struggled to reach triple digits in their initial five Shield games, which may work in Warner’s favor. The seasoned opener has also reached out to men’s coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey, playfully acknowledging that McDonald responded with, “you retired.”
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Warner suggested that there could be other candidates for the opening position, including Marnus Labuschagne or Nathan McSweeney. “I liked the idea from last year that Cameron Green was in the best top six, so we could work the positions around that,” he explained. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be an opener; someone else could bat at three, and Marnus could take the opening role. Is Nathan McSweeney [who scored 37 and 72 for South Australia] capable enough to come in and bat three?”
