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January 11, 2024
David Warner has been included in the Sydney Smash squad of seventeen players.
In an exciting development, David Warner will make a dramatic entrance at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) via helicopter for his clash between the Sydney Thunder and the Sydney Sixers on Friday. Initially planned for Allianz Stadium nearby, the helicopter landing will now occur directly on the SCG outfield, near the iconic “Thanks Dave” logo from his farewell Test.
Weather permitting, the helicopter is expected to touch down around 5 p.m., after Warner swiftly departs his brother’s wedding in Hunter Valley and heads to Cessnock airport. This spectacular entrance adds extra excitement to an already highly anticipated match, with the potential for a sell-out crowd.
“He is a bit Hollywood, isn’t he, that’s very Davey. I got the Lime bike in today, and I’ll be doing the same tomorrow night and riding out the gate as Davey lands. I’m glad they are making it happen because think everyone in the country who is a fan of cricket wants to see David Warner in the BBL, and I’m really looking forward to coming up against him. One of the best players in the world and has been for a long time,” Sean Abbott was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Ahead of the previous season, Warner signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Sydney Thunder as part of Cricket Australia’s strategy to reinvigorate the Big Bash League with international stars. Despite retiring from Test cricket, Warner wanted to represent the Thunder in the upcoming season, skillfully balancing his playing commitments with commentary roles during the India Test series. As a result, he was included in the Sydney Smash Squad of 17 players.
The 37-year-old is scheduled to make only three appearances for the Thunder this season due to his upcoming participation in the ILT20 tournament in the UAE. However, a new development has emerged: Warner is now expected to join the Australian Squad for the T20I series against the West Indies, underscoring his ongoing commitment to the game’s shortest format.
12 Jan 2024
In a dramatic turn of events, David Warner made a stunning entrance at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) via helicopter for the Sydney Smash. This highly anticipated Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers is scheduled for Friday, January 12.
Initially, Warner planned to land at Allianz Stadium, located near the SCG. However, following his attendance at his brother’s wedding in Hunter Valley, the 37-year-old quickly departed for Cessnock Airport to make it to the game. This match marks Warner’s return to competitive cricket after announcing his retirement from Test and ODI formats.
The BBL official X (formerly Twitter) account shared a video of Warner’s impressive arrival, writing: “Ever seen anything like it? @davidwarner31 arrives to the @scg on a helicopter to the Sydney Smash. #BBL13.”
David Warner, who signed a lucrative two-year contract with the Sydney Thunder ahead of the last BBL season, will make three appearances this year. The powerful opener will join a Thunder side sitting seventh in the eight-team standings with just one win from seven games.
Despite their slim chances of making the knockout stages, Warner’s availability will be limited as he travels to the UAE to participate in the upcoming ILT20. He is also anticipated to return to the Australian T20I team for the West Indies series. Warner may also stay active in the shortest format of the game ahead of his final international retirement, which could come after the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup beginning in June in the USA and the West Indies.
In contrast, the Sydney Sixers, vying for a playoff spot, are poised to deliver a strong performance in their next match and will benefit from the presence of star batter Steven Smith. The Sixers, led by Moises Henriques, have won four of their eight games this season and are presently in third place.
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