David Warner made a dramatic entrance at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) for Sydney Thunder’s Big Bash League (BBL) clash against Sydney Sixers. The star cricketer flew in from his brother’s wedding in the Hunter Valley in a helicopter, landing on the outfield close to where the iconic “Thanks Dave” logo was painted during his farewell Test.
The local derby, featuring Steven Smith for Sydney Sixers, is a sellout, adding to the anticipation of Warner’s return. Despite coming straight from a significant family event, Warner expressed his commitment to the game and his team, stating, “I’ve done my utmost best to get down here and hopefully put some runs on the board.”
“He’s going to a lot of effort to come and play for us,” remarked Thunder quick Gurinder Sandhu, highlighting Warner’s dedication. Sandhu also praised Warner’s impact on the team, both on and off the field, making him a valuable asset.
Sydney Sixers’ Sean Abbott, in a light-hearted comment, quipped about Warner’s grand entrance, saying, “He is a bit Hollywood, isn’t he, that’s very Davey.” Despite the banter, Abbott acknowledged the excitement among cricket fans to see Warner in the BBL and expressed anticipation about facing him on the field.
Warner’s return to Thunder comes as part of a two-year deal signed ahead of the previous season. While the Thunder faces a slim chance of reaching the knockouts, Warner’s presence adds excitement to the BBL. Warner, who retired from Test cricket, is expected to make three appearances for Thunder this season.
Although unavailable for the BBL knockout stages due to commitments at the ILT20 in the UAE, Warner is likely to return to the T20I series against West Indies. His future appearances will be managed alongside his commentary work on the India Test series and his participation in the T20 World Cup in June before his final international retirement.
