‘Surprising’: David Warner’s sledge for $2.5m Australian star

David Warner couldn’t resist the opportunity to poke fun at an Australian teammate who this week secured a mind-boggling pay rise.

David Warner of Australia.

Australian batsman David Warner has fired a cheeky sledge at T20 powerhouse Glenn Maxwell after the Victorian secured a whopping pay rise at last week’s IPL auction.

The King XI Punjab Maxwell released Maxwell following a disappointing Indian Premier League campaign last year where he failed to muster a six in 13 innings.

After registering just 108 runs at a pitiful strike rate of 101.88, Punjab’s selectors decided the 32-year-old was better suited carrying the drinks for their final match.

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Despite a nightmare campaign in 2020, the Royal Challengers Bangalore were willing to splash AU$2.52 million for Maxwell’s services on Thursday.

“Obviously, he is a multiskilled player, he is good in the field and obviously, able to bowl off-spin,” RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson said at a press conference.

“We all know how good a touch he (is in) away from the IPL.”

Glenn Maxwell of Australia.

READ MORE: Aussie skipper’s T20 agony

When Maxwell was introduced into the bowling attack during Monday evening’s T20 match against New Zealand in Christchurch, Warner couldn’t resist an opportunity to poke fun at his teammate.

“Not a bad result in the IPL auction for the ‘Big Show’ either,” Warner said on Fox Cricket’s coverage.

Australian great Mark Waugh replied: “Considering his last IPL season.”

Warner joked: “It’s surprising, you get let go from your franchise and you get a lot more after being released.”

Maxwell currently sits at No. 5 on the ICC T20 batting rankings, but failed to make an impact in Monday’s series opener at Hagley Oval.

Black Caps seamer Tom Southee removed the Australian all-rounder for one, an outside edge flying towards the slip cordon to leave the visitors reeling at 4/19.

Australia ultimately lost the match by 53 runs, with West Australia’s Mitchell Marsh top-scoring with 45 in the run chase.

The second T20 between New Zealand and Australia will take place in Dunedin on Thursday afternoon.