The era of David Warner, the international cricketer, is over and the career of David Warner, the commentator, is just beginning, but it got off to a very rocky start.
Warner was one of Australia’s most prolific openers before retiring earlier this year, with more than 8,400 runs in Test cricket, including 25 centuries and a high score of 335 not out.
In One Day Internationals he amassed over 6300 runs with 20 centuries, while in T20 Internationals he scored over 2800 runs including a ton and 24 fifties.
He has represented Australia in three ICC Cricket World Cups, winning the title in 2015, and has been a standout across all formats with his aggressive and high-scoring batting style.
However, as Australia’s summer of cricket kicked off at the MCG on Monday with an ODI against Pakistan, with Coldplay singer Chris Martin in the stands, many were ruthless in their criticism of the next phase of Warner’s cricket career.
“I managed to get through two of David Warner’s overs before going on mute. I will look to improve on this effort throughout the summer,” wrote one Australian cricket supporter.
“Who thought David Warner’s brain was so valuable that he would add anything to a commentary team?” asked another.
“David Warner already commented once and I’m already fed up with him,” a third fumed.
David Warner has had a nerve-wracking start to his new career as a cricket commentator at Fox Sports
Some cricket fans were angry with Warner for constantly making the comment about himself.
‘Commentary [sic] seems to have gotten a bit sidetracked in the last few minutes. We need to get back to David Warner’s favorite subject, David Warner,” said one fan.
David Warner on commentary: ‘I’d love to be there, but I retired for a reason.’ David Warner, the narcissist, is making it all about himself again,” read another post.
Former Aussie Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist asked Mitchell Starc during a break in play if it was “quieter” on the field without Warner.
“Is he standing there behind you?” Starc replied with a laugh.
Warner (second from left) has joined a host of cricketing greats including (left to right) Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram and Mark Waugh
Fans were not happy with Warner’s start to his commentary career, but he warmed to the role and enjoyed making jokes at his own expense
However, Warner was happy to take the criticism in stride and even took the mickey out of himself on several occasions, such as this conversation with commentators Mark Howard and Kerry O’Keeffe.
“If it happened on a cricket field, Kerry will know it happened,” said presenter Mark Howard.
‘I saw him there with a 96-page book, he was writing in it and using a permanent marker. I looked over and there were six more of those books,” Warner said in surprise.
“I’m thinking, have I done my research here?”
“It’s an easy read, David, don’t worry,” O’Keeffe said.
Then, after a pause to get the action going, Warner troubled his fellow commentators by replying, “You lost me on the read.”
Warner (pictured with his wife Candice) retired from all forms of international cricket this year
Warner ended his career in green and gold with victories in The Ashes, T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup and numerous other achievements to his name
It comes after Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany announced Warner would join the commentary team in February.
“David Warner has been one of our most exciting cricketers since he stepped onto the international stage in 2009, and we are thrilled that he will be joining our world-class FOX CRICKET team,” said Delany.
“A fiercely loyal and strong competitor on the field, he is an exceptional analyst of the game and will bring unique insights and perspective to our Fox Sports coverage via FOX CRICKET at Foxtel and Kayo Sports.”
Fox Sports Executive Director Steve Crawley added: “We will never replace Shane Warne or Andrew Symonds on the FOX CRICKET commentary team. But if you had just one chance to pick a recruit from across the cricketing world, you would pick David Warner.
‘When he came to bat, you could double your audience. He made cricket exciting.
‘And he is still the same in the twilight of his career as he was in the beginning: a reckless, fearless person.
“Having been in sports broadcasting for a long time, I believe David Warner is made for commentary, just as he is made for opening the batting. He is very welcome to join our Fox team.”