- David Warner has left fans furious over the U-turn retirement
- Offered to line up for Australia in Test series vs India
In cricket, the numbers rarely lie – and when it comes to David Warner playing against India in recent years, the ‘retired’ star’s stats are grim.
Warner, 37, has left fans divided after sensationally declaring he is available for selection again, starting next month in the first Test from Perth.
He seemingly played his last Test at the SCG in January against Pakistan after what many believed was a lengthy ‘farewell tour’, but has since indicated he is keen to take on the new ball alongside Usman Khawaja, if necessary.
Dating back to 2015, Warner struggled mightily against India, scoring just 330 runs at a paltry average of 19.41.
His meager returns at the crease yielded just a half-century – and tellingly, 13 scores under 20.
The reaction to his retirement backflip prompted respected cricket reporter Peter Lalor to launch a verbal missile in Warner’s direction, amid speculation that the polarizing figure would retire.
Lalor did not mince his words SEN Radio on Wednesdays.
“I’ve had my head in my hands all morning… this is a drive-by shooting of a guy in a clown car. Go away, David, we’ve had enough, it’s not your time,” Lalor said.
In cricket, the numbers rarely lie – and when it comes to David Warner playing against India in recent years, the statistics make for grim reading (Warner is pictured with his wife Candice)
The 37-year-old has angered fans after declaring he is available for selection again
It didn’t take long for cricket supporters to agree with journalist Peter Lalor on X (pictured)
Another supporter felt that the Warner situation put the current state of Australia’s batting talent in a very bad light
It didn’t take long for cricket supporters to agree with Lalor on X.
“Thank God someone in the world of cricket journalism has questioned this ridiculous statement by Dave Warner,” said one.
Another responded with: “If they [selectors] seriously considering Warner as an option is an indictment on our batting stocks.”
A third weighed in: ‘Thanks for reporting this. Incredible behavior from Warner.”
Warner made his Test debut in 2011 against New Zealand and finished with an average of 44.59, including 26 centuries.
If the selectors overlook Warner, Victorian Marcus Harris is likely to open the batting with Khawaja.
Other options include Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw and wunderkind Sam Konstas.
Steve Smith will join the batting order at four after all-rounder Cameron Green was ruled out for six months after suffering a stress fracture in his lower back that will require surgery.
The first Test against India starts on November 22 in Perth.