"If they need me for this test series.." Retired David Warner makes himself available for Border-Gavaskar Trophy

David Warner played his farewell test match against Pakistan in Sydney earlier this year.

In an interesting move, former Australia opener David Warner has made himself available for the upcoming high-voltage Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against the Indian cricket team at home despite being retired from the format. The five-match test series between Australia and India will be played from November 22. 

David Warner retired from test cricket in January 2024, playing his farewell test match at his home ground in Sydney.

Since Warner’s test retirement, the Australian side has struggled to find a specialist test opener alongside Usman Khawaja. The management took the bold move to shift Steve Smith to the top of the order, but it didn’t work. In four tests as an opener, Smith made 171 runs at a below-par average of 28.50 with only one fifty.

Ahead of the series against India, Australia’s chair of selectors George Bailey confirmed that Smith will no longer open and will return to his No. 4 spot.

I am always available, just got to pick up the phone: David Warner

Former opener David Warner said that he is ready to play for the Australian test side again in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Warner said he could play in the ongoing Sheffield Shield tournament if he is asked to feature in the tests against India.

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

“Honestly, if they needed me for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play. I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game and I wanted to finish. (But) my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I’m not going to shy away from that,” Warner added.

David Warner amassed 8786 runs in 112 tests at an admirable average of 44.59. The southpaw notched up 26 centuries and 37 half-centuries in his great career.

India’s tour of Australia 2024-25 schedule:

November 22-26: 1st test, Perth Stadium, Perth (D)

December 6-10: 2nd test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

December 14-18: 3rd test, The Gabba, Brisbane (D)

December 26-30: 4th test, MCG, Melbourne (D)

January 3-7: 5th Test, SCG, Sydney (D)

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