IND v AUS 2023: David Warner Withdraws from India T20Is; Aaron Hardie Replaces Him
Veteran opener David Warner will miss the upcoming five-match T20I series between India and Australia, which begins on November 23. The left-handed batsman will return home after a successful Cricket World Cup campaign in India.
Warner was Australia’s leading run-scorer at the CWC, amassing 535 runs at an average of 48.63. He will now join other multi-format players who are skipping the five-match series ahead of the home summer, which starts with the first Test against Pakistan on December 14.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are also making their way home, along with all-rounders Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh.
Warner’s absence from the T20I series will be a blow to Australia, but it is understandable given the demanding nature of the CWC campaign. The 37-year-old will no doubt be looking to rest and recharge ahead of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
“Selectors decided Warner would return home on the back of a successful yet demanding World Cup campaign,” the Australian Cricket Board said in a statement.
Seasoned Australian opener David Warner is set to bid farewell to Test cricket following the upcoming home series against Pakistan, with the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in early January earmarked as the venue for his final Test match.
Warner’s decision to retire from the longest format of the game comes after a distinguished career spanning over a decade, during which he has amassed over 6,000 runs in 128 Tests, including 25 centuries and 30 half-centuries.
To fill the void left by Warner’s departure, Australia has called up all-rounder Aaron Hardie for the upcoming T20I series against India. Hardie, who made his international debut earlier this year against South Africa, will bring his valuable batting and bowling skills to the side.
In addition to Hardie’s inclusion, pacer Kane Richardson has also been drafted into the squad as a replacement for Spencer Johnson, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Richardson, a seasoned campaigner with over 170 international appearances, will provide much-needed depth and experience to the bowling attack.
With Andrew McDonald taking a well-deserved break ahead of the summer season, Andre Borovec will step in as the interim coach for the T20I series against India. Borovec, who has been with the Australian setup for several years, possesses a deep understanding of the team and its dynamics.
Matthew Wade, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, will lead the Australian T20I side in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who is among the players rested for the series. Wade’s leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team in this crucial series.
As Warner prepares to embark on the final chapter of his Test career, his contribution to Australian cricket will undoubtedly be remembered with immense respect and admiration. His legacy as a prolific run-scorer and a fierce competitor will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers.
