Former Australian opener David Warner is set to captain the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, marking his return to leadership after Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct Commission lifted his long-standing ban last month. This ban, initially imposed after Warner’s involvement in the infamous 2018 Newlands ball-tampering scandal, had barred him from holding any leadership roles. Now, Warner sees his appointment as an opportunity to rewrite his legacy and share his cricketing insights.
Reflecting on his journey, David Warner shared that the leadership ban had felt like an unshakeable mark on his career, but now he feels a renewed sense of purpose. “That was the last piece of the puzzle for me, and now it’s about sharing my knowledge of the game. Having a lifelong ban on my CV wasn’t something I wanted to explain to my girls or anyone else in the future. Now, I can proudly share this role with my family and move forward as a leader,” he told ESPNcricinfo.
David Warner admitted that just two years ago, he had all but given up hope of returning to leadership. However, he is eager to make the most of this new chapter with Sydney Thunder. Warner explained that the timing of his reinstatement felt right, especially as he no longer plays for the Australian national team.
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“Two years ago, I didn’t think I’d revisit this. At one point, I wasn’t even sure if I’d return to play Big Bash. But this decision no longer affects the national team, and I can focus solely on contributing to Thunder without distractions,” he added.
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Sydney Thunder’s General Manager, Trent Copeland, expressed his excitement over Warner’s appointment, noting the broader impact he’ll have on the team and community.
“This is monumental for David and our club. It’s not only about his cricketing career; it’s about the legacy he’s building for his family and the next generation. Warner is an icon in Western Sydney, and fans will now see him leading Thunder with pride. His captaincy represents not only cricket but also community and mentorship for younger players,” Trent Copeland shared.
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Warner’s leadership experience with Thunder dates back to 2011, when he scored an unbeaten 102 as captain against the Melbourne Stars. This season, he’ll take over from Chris Green, who led the team last year, with hopes of making a lasting impact on and off the field.
