Pat Cummins offers blunt take on David Warner’s Test return

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins recently addressed the possibility of opening batter David Warner potentially reversing his retirement decision to participate in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The left-handed batter sent shockwaves in Australian cricket earlier this week, expressing his willingness to represent Australia again during the upcoming series against India, starting from November 22 in Perth.

However, during an interview with Code Sports, Warner shared his eagerness to take back his retirement for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, only if, the selectors show faith in him.

“I am always available, just got to pick up the phone. I am always dead serious,” said Warner. “Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red-ball game since their last Test match in February, so I’ve also had the same preparation.”

The Southpaw also expressed interest in playing in the Sheffield Shield to exhibit his form and fitness.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Honestly, if they need me for the series, I am more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play. I retired for the right reasons, but my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I am not going to shy away from that,” he added.

Now, Pat Cummins reacted with a sarcastic take on Warner’s wish to return to the Australian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

“Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate,” the Australian skipper quipped before revealing that he had spoken to David Warner days earlier on the matter.

“I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he reached out or I did… he’s like, ‘What do you think?’, and I was like, ‘Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your comments on Fox!’” Pat Cummins said.

It’s worth noting that David Warner retired from Test cricket earlier this year in front of the home crowd in Sydney during the third Test against Pakistan. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the last Test series of his career, scoring 299 runs at an average of 49.83.

READ: Cricket Australia lifts David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban