‘Dead serious’: Warner throws hat in ring to open against India

The hunt for David Warner’s replacement may eventually end up right back where it started with David Warner, after the 112-Test match left-hander himself put his hand up for what would be a shock return.

“I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone,” Warner told News Corp while he was meeting the visiting King Charles in Sydney earlier this week.

Even more interestingly, the 37-year-old then insisted he’s not joking.

“I’m always dead serious,” he declared, before pointing to the fact the Australia cricket team has only played one red ball match together since their last Test matches in February.

“I’ve almost had the same preparation. Honestly, if they really need me for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play,” Warner continued. “I did retire for the right reasons to finish the game… I wanted to finish. [But] my hand is up if they desperately need someone. I’m not going to shy away from that.”

He’s even gone as far as reaching out to Australia coach Andrew McDonald and selector George Bailey with a “cheeky message”—though that was apparently shot down by McDonald, who very quickly returned serve with ‘you retired.’

The Sporting Base even heard Warner texted several journos about his plan before the quotes.

That doesn’t mean it’s likely though, with other (more prepared) options like Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney—who would then push Marnus Labuschagne into the openers, or young gun New South Welshman Sam Konstas, who’s burst into conversations. Warner said if not him then most of them would likely suit, though he warned against throwing Konstas in too early.

“Konstas can definitely in time be that long-term opening batsman,” he mused.

“There is every opportunity for him there to do that, but I think you still have to see a little bit more.

— Read: Smith ‘didn’t ask’ for return to No.4 — but he’s very happy to go back

He added: “I think Will Pucovski was a much more complete cricketer than where Konstas is now and was a bit more of a stroke maker. But Konstas can definitely in time be that.”

Australia’s first of five Tests against India starts in nearly exactly a month, on November 22.