David Warner rules out coming back despite Australia’s injury woes

Dubai: David Warner might have walked away from international cricket, but his hunger for runs hasn’t faded. At 38, the Australian great is still playing with the same attacking flair, proving his worth in franchise leagues. Fresh off a blistering knock for Dubai Capitals in ILT20, Warner remains a force to be reckoned with — yet he has no plans to answer Australia’s call despite their injury crisis.

The veteran opener made an immediate impact in his first match for Dubai Capitals this season, smashing an unbeaten 93 against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. But even with Australia struggling due to injuries and Marcus Stoinis’ surprise retirement creating a void, Warner has shut the door on an international return.

“I am far from beyond coming back,” Warner told Gulf News during a virtual media interaction on the eve of the DP World ILT20 final on Saturday.

Despite ruling out a return, Warner is confident that Australia will be able to win the Champions Trophy.

“Australia are very good in the World Cups and Champions Trophies and in tournament play. So, the Australian team knows how to win. They know how to succeed. It doesn’t matter what players they play,” Warner said. “The guys are all built with playing under pressure. So, I think, whoever replaces those guys would do very well, and the team in general would do great as well.”

Australia have won the Champions Trophy twice, in 2006 and 2009, making them the most successful team in the tournament alongside India, who won in 2002 and 2013. However, their hopes have taken a hit with injuries to skipper Pat Cummins, all-rounder Mitch Marsh, and pacer Josh Hazlewood, while Stoinis’ sudden retirement from One-Day Internationals has further weakened the squad.

Warner had previously expressed interest in playing for Australia in the Champions Trophy, but Chief Selector George Bailey overlooked his request, opting not to pick the veteran opener, who has single-handedly won matches for his team on numerous occasions.

The Australian star, who arrived in Dubai on a high after a stunning Big Bash campaign with Sydney Thunder, is focused on completing the job for Dubai Capitals in the final against Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (6pm start).

“Everyone’s excited — from the background staff to the GMR owners and the players performing on the field. We got so close last year, and hopefully, this year we can lift the trophy,” Warner said.

Warner has played just one match for Capitals this season, but his impact was immediate.

“The innings took me back to when I was 21 again. You need to have that positive attitude. Shai Hope made my job easier. We got off to a positive start and put up a competitive total. I tried to hit straight. I am still learning. I love this game. I owe this game a lot. Hopefully, I can get one better next game,” he said after his unbeaten 93 led Capitals to victory over Knight Riders.

Warner’s love for the game has kept him going, and he now hopes to guide young players in franchise leagues.

“I didn’t retire early. I’ve got three daughters and a wife at home, and I’ve played for 15 years. So I think that’s more important. And for me, it’s about giving back to the game of cricket, and that’s why I like being involved in these franchise games. It’s about handing my knowledge down to young guys, educating people on how to play the game and how to mature as cricketers.”

Warner may no longer don Australia’s colours, but his fire remains undimmed. Whether smashing bowlers in ILT20 or mentoring the next generation, he continues to leave his mark on the game. Now, all eyes are on the Dubai Capitals’ final, where fans will hope the veteran delivers one last match-winning knock to cap off another chapter in his storied career.