Warner said, want to play till 2024, hope to make place in Ashes team
Out-of-favour Australian opener David Warner on Thursday said he would like to play limited-overs cricket till 2024 if the selectors decide to end his Test career. Warner arrived here on Thursday after being ruled out of the last two matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India due to an elbow fracture. Warner struggled to score runs in the first two Tests against India, managing only one, 10 and 15 in three innings. He did not bat in the second innings of the Second Test in New Delhi, being ruled out due to a concussion.
Warner said at the Sydney airport here, “I have always said that I want to play till 2024.” If the selectors feel that I do not deserve a place in the (Test) team, then nothing can be done and I can try to play white-ball cricket. Despite this, he is expected to make it to the squad for the Ashes tour this year. Warner said, “I have the next 12 months, a lot of cricket to play for the team and if I can keep scoring runs and give my best for the team, then I will be able to make my place in the team and it will be great for the team.” ”
“When you are 36 and about to turn 37, it is easy (for critics). I have seen this with former players as well. “If I can take the pressure off the rest of the players and if nobody is worried about the rest of the team, I will be happy to do that,” Warner said. Warner’s Test career has been in doubt for a long time due to his poor form. He has been able to score only one Test century in the last three years.
On Wednesday, Australian selector Tony Dodmead refused to comment on Warner’s future and discussions about his name for the Ashes tour. He said, “We will talk about the plans for the Ashes later but we are determined to pick the best fit and available players for the Test series, especially for a big series like the Ashes.” He has been included in Australia’s 16-member ODI squad for the three-match series starting in March. The five-match Ashes series begins in Birmingham on July 16.
