Candice Warner Responds to Rumors About David Warner's Test Comeback
Candice explained that if Warner were to return, he would need to prove himself through domestic matches, specifically in the Sheffield Shield, just like any other player aiming to make a comeback. David officially ended his international career after the 2024 T20 World Cup and played his final Test earlier this year against Pakistan.
Candice Warner, the wife of Australian cricketer David Warner, has addressed speculation regarding her husband’s potential return to Test cricket for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Despite David's expressed interest in stepping back into the role, Candice has made it clear that a comeback is unlikely.
Last week, David Warner hinted at his willingness to return to the Test squad, acknowledging Australia’s ongoing struggles to find a solid opener since his retirement. He mentioned that he would be ready to play if the selectors called upon him, particularly given the high stakes of the five-Test series against India.
However, in a recent interview with FoxSports, Candice Warner dismissed these rumors, suggesting that the selectors and coaching staff are unlikely to reach out to him. She stated, "He's very passionate about playing for Australia and I think if George Bailey, the selector, or Andrew McDonald, the coach, picked up the phone and said 'we need you', he would jump at it. (But) It's definitely not going to happen."
Candice explained that if Warner were to return, he would need to prove himself through domestic matches, specifically in the Sheffield Shield, just like any other player aiming to make a comeback. David officially ended his international career after the 2024 T20 World Cup and played his final Test earlier this year against Pakistan.
Interestingly, Cricket Australia recently lifted the leadership ban imposed on him following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, a move that sparked temporary discussions about his potential involvement with the national team. However, Candice's remarks indicate that Warner's future with Australia is more about his legacy than an active role.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series starting on November 22, Australia is currently focusing on nurturing promising openers like Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, Nathan Sweeney, and Marcus Harris. While David Warner’s experience and skills would be invaluable, it appears that the Australian selectors are committed to looking forward rather than revisiting past players. As Australia prepares for the challenging series in India, the focus remains on building a new generation of talent.