Pat Cummins’ ice cold response to David Warner’s offer to come out of retirement for India Test series

Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins has hilariously slammed the door on any possible retirement backflip from former opener David Warner.

The Aussies face a crucial five-Test series against India on home soil this summer, which will go a long way in deciding who finishes top of the Test Championship standings.

India have won the last two series in Australia, leaving Pat Cummins and his men on high alert.

There are also places in the XI that need to be finalized, with the position of opening batting alongside Usman Khawaja being the most controversial.

Warner retired from all forms of international cricket earlier this year and Steven Smith has ruled out staying at the top for the Australians.

Which led to Warner making the stunning statement this week that he would return if the Aussies wanted him to.

“I’m always available, all I have to do is pick up the phone,” the 37-year-old told Code Sports.

‘I’m always dead serious. Let’s face it, the boys have played one red ball match since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve had almost the same preparation.

“Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I’d be more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play.”

While Warner kept a straight face as he offered to return against India, many believe he was just winding up old teammates

The offer was quickly shot down by chairman of selectors George Bailey and now Cummins has also had his say.

Speaking on The Grade Cricketer podcast, Cummins could barely suppress his laughter as he sarcastically said they were ‘very’ interested in having Warner back in the ranks.

‘Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll get back to you, mate,” he grinned.

“I spoke to Dave a few days ago. I can’t remember if he contacted me or I… he said, ‘What do you think?’, and I said, ‘Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your commentary on Fox.

It remains uncertain whether Warner’s offer was real or a fabrication.

“I think the truth is somewhere in the middle,” Cummins said.

“I think it’s a bit of a fuss, but I don’t think he mind seeing himself on the back page.

“We love Davey, but he’s retired.”

Former Australian Test cricketer Greg Blewett has slammed Warner over his offer to retire against India

Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey (right) said he was ‘chuckled’ by his former teammate Warner’s offer to the Test side

While Cummins saw the humorous side of Warner’s offering, former Test star Greg Blewett has shot the retired star with both barrels.

‘I’ve never heard so much nonsense in my life. It’s self-centered,” Blewett said on Triple M.

“His last 23 Test matches for Australia he was only average. It’s not like he made run after run after run. He played bloody average cricket and that’s why he was retired.’

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey has also poured cold water on the prospect of Warner returning to take on India.

“When I saw those reactions, it made me chuckle a little bit… Look, he would probably still do a great job, but I don’t think it’s a realistic possibility,” he said. Channel 7.

Instead, Carey backed South Australian teammate Nathan McSweeney to step into the breach.

The 25-year-old is currently captaining South Australia in the Sheffield Shield and recently showed extreme poise with a match-winning ton against a Queensland side led by Australian star Marnus Labuschagne.

“If that opportunity came his way, he would definitely grab it with both hands,” Carey said of McSweeney.

‘He works quite hard on his game and has a good relationship with Marnus, and the way they approach it isn’t much different.

“Australia A is coming and he will get another chance to make his case there.”