Australian cricket fans who are hoping for a David Warner comeback might have to be disappointed. National selector George Bailey confirmed that the retirement of David Warner from international cricket is considered “permanent.” While just last week it seemed Warner left the door ajar for returning in the 2025 Champions Trophy, he did have a social media post that clarified the matter.

“I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while and I am also open to playing for Oz in the Champions Trophy if selected,” he wrote. However, George Bailey has explained the situation, saying, “Our understanding is that David is retired, and, should be commended on what has been an incredible career across all three formats. Certainly, our planning is that he won`t be there in Pakistan,” referring to the upcoming Champions Trophy.

George Bailey felt that Warner’s post was quite ambiguous and could have been a light-hearted “stir the pot” type of thing. He respected Warner as a legend and the legacy he had built. That notwithstanding, Bailey made it clear that “the team is transitioning to some different players,” and Warner won’t have a part in that.

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This comes just after Australia’s poor campaign in the T20 WC, where they were snatched off the tournament after their Super 8 stage. With nine more T20Is remaining for the year, series included against Scotland, England, and Pakistan, Australia is looking ahead.

This has been reflected in the recently announced squads for the white-ball tour of the UK. Veterans like Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell have been rested, and Matthew Wade was dropped from the T20I team altogether. “I don’t think there’s anyone who’s not there that we’ve put a line through permanently besides David,” Bailey said. He added he was excited about giving chances to Josh Inglis and other young players.

While the attention for T20 cricket at the moment is the 2026 World Cup, Bailey did suggest there could be other changes down the line. But as far as Starc and Maxwell were concerned, he said: “We haven’t had any conversations about where they think their T20 journey may finish.” Neither Starc nor Maxwell can be ruled out from the Champions Trophy—Bailey said that was important for both of them. Starc especially can look forward to a good summer.

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All in all, David Warner’s international career is as good as over. The Australian selectors will definitely be forming a new team for the future, keeping on the radar the Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup. As part of this process, some established players have been rested for the upcoming series; however, players like Maxwell and Starc still have a role to play in the short term. Australia’s cricketing journey goes on, and the reins are being handed over to a new generation.