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There’s a shocking new role for Australian cricket superstar David Warner as the 100 Test veteran prepares for life beyond the picket fence.
The 36-year-old opener, who notched a phenomenal double century at the Boxing Day Test as criticism mounted for a prolonged run of poor form, will become the latest legend to enter the comment box.
Having already made guest appearances providing special commentary, the effervescent Warner is expected to make a seamless transition to the box once he finally hangs the baggy green.
David Warner, pictured with his wife Candice, has found a new role, a cricket commentator, with retirement on the horizon.
It comes as Cricket Australia confirmed a $1.5 billion broadcast rights deal on Tuesday, with Foxtel and Channel 7 to continue their partnership with the nation’s governing body until 2031.
Former cricket legends such as Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Allan Border and Mark Waugh are just a few of the game’s figures who have proven successful this summer on both broadcasters.
Sadly, the tragic deaths of huge cricket personalities Andrew Symonds and Shane Warne have left a huge hole in the Fox Cricket team.
Of course, there will never be another ‘Simmo’ or ‘Warnie’, but Warner shares a desire to share his opinion no matter the consequences like Warne.
And a Symonds-like youthful enthusiasm contrasted with a cold, calculated cricket brain that is often underestimated.
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany was encouraged as he addressed the media at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) following confirmation that Cricket Australia had chosen pay-TV broadcaster reliability over the huge money thrown at them by American-owned Paramount+.
David Warner scored his first Test century in three years when he hit 200 against South Africa at the MCG with his career hanging in the balance.
“I don’t think it’s possible to replace Shane (Warne) and Andrew (Symonds),” he told reporters from hallowed SCG territory ahead of Wednesday’s test.
“We have thought long and hard about what we could do with the coverage. When you have names like Gilchrist and Guha, Hussey, Border, Waugh, Mel Jones, it’s a very, very big team.
“(But) if you had a shot at a commentator from the current crop to replace those two, you’d probably have to say Dave Warner is the name,” Delany said.
The Fox boss, who has been in the dugout for the satellite and streaming service since 2018, hailed Warner as the next big thing and confirmed that the broadcaster was rolling out the red carpet.
Foxtel believes the upbeat Warner (right, pictured with his wife Candice) will be very popular with cricket fans behind the microphone, backing up his reputation as a “fighter and troublemaker” to shine with the audience.
‘He’s (Warner) a fighter, he’s a fighter, it’s exciting. From the time he came out to the patch, I remember at the Big Bash in 2011 when he first hit real dominance, we’re so glad to have signed him now and in the future,” Delany said.
“I think he will be a very, very good cricket commentator.
“We are using it right now, it comes out sporadically. When he decides to retire, he’ll come with us … for as long as he wants,’ Delany said, appearing to provide an open checkbook for the foreseeable future.
The former top pundit, now Fox Sports CEO Steve Crawley, was equally optimistic about the new recruit.
For his excellent 200 in the Boxing Day Test, David Warner won the Mullagh Medal and is set to continue his Test career for the foreseeable future.
‘When he (Warner) came out to bat, you could double your audience. He made cricket exciting,’ he said Fox.
“And he is the same at the twilight of his career as he was at the beginning: a fearless and adventurous individual.
“I’ve been in sports broadcasting for a long time and I think David Warner is cut out for commentary in the same way that they were made for leadoff hitting,” Crawley said.
Of course, Warner isn’t retired yet.
Difficult tours to India and England lie ahead, where Warner has often struggled, while as soon as this current Test series is over, the bellicose left-footed will go straight into his first BBL season with the Thunder.
David Warner (right) attended Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s official residence, Kirribilli House, on New Year’s Day, having previously indicated he would not mind entering politics.
He has also previously indicated that he would like to play in this year’s ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2024, despite his form drastically slipping off in both formats.
Warner has long been astute when it comes to thinking about life after cricket and diversifying his life.
Business interests the veteran starter with an estimated value of $20 million has been involved in include the Black Type X horse ownership market, a Victorian brewery of which he is a director, 666Vodka and numerous investment properties for accompany a large number of other projects.
He even indicated he wouldn’t mind entering politics, testing the waters on New Year’s Day with a match against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Kirribilli House.
Now you can add comments to that ever-growing list, and you’ll certainly thrive in the spotlight.