David Warner lands new cricket gig, tipped to bring ‘fireworks’

He may be retired from international cricket but fans will still get a glimpse of David Warner this summer, with the veteran landing a new gig.

Brett Lee is backing David Warner to bring “fireworks” to his first summer away from the Test team in nearly 15 years.

Warner is swapping his bat for the microphone, joining Kayo Sports’ commentary team for the entire summer of cricket, including the five-Test series against India, which will feature a dedicated Hindi feed.

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The 38-year-old will step behind the microphone on November 4 followed by three T20 matches between Australia and Pakistan.

He will also commentate during the Test series against India and the BBL season around his playing commitments for the Sydney Thunder.

Speaking at a Kayo event on Monday, Lee said he thinks Warner will move easily into punditry, with cricket fans told to expect “fireworks, like his batting”.

“I think the Australian public will appreciate in probably 12 to 18 months actually how good David Warner was as a cricketer,” Lee said.

“For us at Fox and Kayo to get him and his leadership qualities and the way he understands the game and what he can bring for the audience will be massive.”

David Warner is joining Kayo’s cricket commentary team. Picture: John Appleyard

Warner was at times a polarising figure during his career, and will no doubt have plenty to say about the player chosen to take his spot opening the batting in the Test side.

“That’s what you want in broadcasting,” Lee said.

“You want someone who isn’t afraid of sharing their views and different aspects of their game.

“He’ll definitely bring that to the table, 100 per cent.”

Teenager Sam Konstas has rocketed into contention for a Test debut after making twin centuries for NSW against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield last week.

The 19-year-old copped a contentious LBW decision against Victoria on Monday that sent him back to the pavilion for two.

Konstas, Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft has been named in the Australia A squad for two matches against India A, which loom as a crucial audition for the vacant opening spot.

Brett Lee and Cricket NSW Cricket Manager Suffan Hassan joins western Sydney junior cricketers at Wenty Leagues Cricket Club, to announce dedicated Hindi feed on Kayo Sports for Test cricket this summer. Photo: Kayo Sports / Brett Costello

Lee backed Konstas to perform if given his baggy green and urged selectors to pick and stick.

“I think if they were to go back to Cameron Bancroft, it would have been a year and a half or two years ago when he had most runs in Shield cricket,” Lee said.

“They still may pick him and they may pick Harris. But do you invest your energy and assets into guys who are ageing cricketers, with all due respect – albeit wonderful cricketers, don’t get me wrong.”

If Australia picks Harris or Bancroft, every player in Australia’s XI for the first Test will be aged over 30.

“But if we’re looking to the future, why not give a guy an opportunity like a Sam Konstas who is only 19 years of age, only played a few first-class matches,” Lee added.

“There are some players, like David Warner, the way he came through the ranks – he started off in T20 cricket and then turned out to be one of Australia’s greatest ever Test match cricketers.

“Glenn McGrath played only a few first-class matches before he debuted for Australia.

“There are players that the higher the level they go, the better the cricketers they are.

“I see Sam Konstas’ technique, I think he has a really good technique. I don’t think it would be a bad call if they went down that road.”

Brett Lee is expecting Warner to bring fireworks to the commentary box.

Kayo Sports’ commentary team will feature Warner, Lee, Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram, Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bhogle, Isa Guha, Michael Vaughan, Mike Hussey, Allan Border, Mark Waugh, Kerry O’Keeffe, Brendon Julian, Mel Jones, Mark Howard and Alyssa Healy.

Kayo Sports has announced the return of a dedicated Hindi Feed during the Test series between Australia and India, which is available to all fans on Kayo Sports.

Australia vs Pakistan ODI series

4 November: MCG, Melbourne

8 November: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

10 November: Perth Stadium, Perth

Australia vs Pakistan T20 series

14 November: The Gabba, Brisbane

16 November: SCG, Sydney

18 November: Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Australia vs India Test series

22-26 November: Perth Stadium, Perth

6-10 December: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (D/N)

14-18 December: The Gabba, Brisbane

26-30 December: MCG, Melbourne

3-7 January: SCG, Sydney

Originally published as David Warner lands new cricket gig, tipped to bring ‘fireworks’