David Warner back in leadership role, first time since ‘Sandpaper-gate’ | Cricket News
It’s been six years since David Warner found himself in the middle of the ‘Sandpaper-gate‘ controversy during Australia’s tour of South Africa. He was then banned from any leadership role, which was lifted by Cricket Australia last month. Subsequently, Warner, who has retired from international cricket, has been appointed the captain of his Big Bash League (BBL) team, Sydney Thunder.
“Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me,” said Warner. “I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic. I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through.”
In 2018, during the Cape Town Test on Australia’s tour of South Africa, Warner was found at the centre of a plan to tamper with the ball. Warner, along with Steve Smith, were slapped with a one-year ban from elite cricket. The third player found guilty, Cameron Bancroft, was handed a nine-month suspension
“(It) isn’t just about winning, it’s about setting up our young players for success, surrounding them with leadership on and off the field,” said Sydney Thunder’s general manager, Trent Copeland, on Wednesday.
“It’s not only about his (Warner’s) career, it’s about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.”
