Cricket Australia boss responds to David Warner retirement backflip after legend sensationally offered to return to the international team

David Warner’s suggestion that he would be ‘open’ to playing for Australia again was laughed off by selection committee chairman George Bailey.

The thrilling opening match marked the end of the international break, with Australia exiting the recent T20 World Cup without qualifying for the semi-finals.

Warner had already retired from 50-over cricket when Australia won the ODI World Cup last year, and his Test retirement became official in January.

But in a brazen social media post last week, the 37-year-old claimed he was ‘open’ to competing in next year’s Champions Trophy if selected.

But Bailey flashed a broad smile when asked about the post, saying they had no intention of Warner being available for the tournament in Pakistan.

“You never know when ‘Bull’ (Warner) is going to make a joke,” Bailey said after announcing Australia’s squad for the white-ball tour of the UK.

‘I took it that… if he misses us at all, that’s a good sign.

I think he’s stirring things up a bit.

The Australian veteran said he would play for his country again if called up

‘He’s had an amazing career, I can’t celebrate it enough.

‘As time goes on, his legacy of what he did for Australia and when we look back on it, that legendary player will only grow.

‘But in terms of this team and the transition to other players, in his case in all three formats, it’s going to be an exciting adventure.’

Warner continues to play franchise cricket across the world, most notably in the Indian Premier League.

After Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign, Warner named wonderkid Jake Fraser-McGurk as the country’s next master marksman.

“All for you champ now,” Warner wrote alongside an Instagram photo of him and Fraser-McGurk sharing a drink.

Fraser-McGurk has been selected for the T20 and ODI squads to take on England and Scotland in September.