by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
In a surprising move, veteran opener David Warner has opted out of Australia’s squad for the upcoming Twenty20 series in India, citing the need to spend quality time with his wife and daughters before the first Test against Pakistan. Warner’s decision comes on the heels of Australia’s triumphant ODI World Cup campaign, where they secured their sixth one-day World Cup crown by defeating the hosts in Ahmedabad.
The five-match T20 series against India is set to kick off on Thursday in Visakhapatnam, but the 37-year-old Warner will not be part of the squad. Only seven members from the World Cup-winning team will be participating in the T20 series, with head coach Andrew McDonald also opting to skip the series, appointing Andre Borovec as the stand-in coach.
Warner expressed his desire to focus on family time before gearing up for the first Test against Pakistan, scheduled to begin on December 14 in Perth. Reflecting on the decision, Warner stated, “Half the guys are staying for the T20s. We are all dispersing at different times. It is a short turnaround before the first Test against Pakistan.
We have got 20 days to relax and unwind and then get into that first Test at Perth. It is going to be a good couple of weeks to spend time with the family. I am at cricket on Sunday morning with the girls, so I am into dad coaching now.”
While Warner aims to conclude his Test career at his home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground, against Pakistan in January, he has expressed interest in participating in more international white-ball cricket, especially with the T20 World Cup looming next year.
Pakistan Tour of Australia Schedule:
– December 6-9: PM’s XI vs Pakistan (Four-day match) at Manuka Oval, Canberra
– December 14-18: First Test at Perth Stadium
– December 26-30: Second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
– January 3-7: Third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
