Six years after the Newlands ball-tampering scandal, former Australian batter David Warner has been named the captain of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Warner’s lifetime leadership ban from Australian cricket, imposed due to his involvement in the “Sandpaper-gate” incident, was lifted by Cricket Australia (CA) last month.
“Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me,” Warner, who was the team’s founding captain, said in a statement on Wednesday. “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.”
Warner, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, was implicated as the ringleader in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Along with former Australia captain Steve Smith, Warner was banned from elite cricket for one year, while opening batter Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension.
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Trent Copeland, Thunder’s general manager, had hinted at Warner’s appointment following the lifting of his ban. On Wednesday, Copeland emphasized that Warner’s appointment was significant not only for the club’s success but also for nurturing young players.
“It’s not just about winning; it’s about setting up our young players for success and surrounding them with leadership on and off the field,” Copeland said. “It’s not only about his career, but about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.”