Randy Petes open door to Warner return
DAVID Warner’s cricket club Randwick Petersham says the door is open for his return.
Southern Courier
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DAVID Warner’s cricket club says the door is open for his return.
Randwick Petersham Cricket Club president Mike Whitney emailed the banned opening batsman last week — but is yet to receive a reply.
“We’re happy to have him back and to help him regain the support and trust of the Australian public,” the former Test player and Sydney Weekender TV presenter said.
“He has already shown contrition and for us, as a club, what could be better than having a batsmen of his quality in the changing room and helping the youngsters?
“What would that be saying as a club if we said ‘no, we don’t want him’. We have to help him out.
“I hope other people agree and see he has made a mistake.”
Whitney, who grew up in the same suburb, Matraville, as Warner, said his treatment over recent weeks had been brutal.
“Growing up, it’s not the most salubrious place. You had to fight tooth and nail for everything. But I’ve never had any problems with David.
“Steve Smith, he’s a great bloke. He’s the sort of bloke you wouldn’t even expect to find with a cigarette in his mouth.
“But they live in a bubble. They earn serious money, they are living in a different world and they got carried away.”
Last week Warner revealed he would not be challenging his 12-month international and state ban.
“I think the move not to challenge the ban was a good one,” Whitney said. “I have sent him an email asking about his intentions. I know he has a lot on his plate so I don’t expect a reply just yet.”
Speaking about the incident which shocked the world of sport, the former Test cricketer said: “I can’t believe that they thought they would get away with it. There was so much media there, 30 something TV cameras and millions watching.
“Others have done it before, but I was surprised by the momentum that built. It was the lying and deceitfulness.
“I couldn’t believe that first press conference. It was incredible. Why didn’t Cricket Australia step in instead of throwing the boys out there as soon as play had finished.”
Asked if there was a way back into the national side for Warner, he said: “I hope so. But you’ve only got to stumble and someone will knock you down. It’s the whole tall poppy syndrome.”
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