David Warner is set to withdraw from Australia’s T20 series against India
Just four days after the World Cup final, Australia will kick-off a T20 series against India. But the Aussies will be without one of the game’s most dangerous batsmen.
Australian opener David Warner is set to withdraw from the money-spinning T20 series against India and will return home immediately after the World Cup final due to burnout.
It will allow the batting champion a much-needed break heading into the first Test against Pakistan in Perth starting on December 14 – his farewell Test series.
Australia and India will begin in a five-game T20 series starting on Friday in Visakhapatnam.
Warner has been named in the squad to contest the series but speculation is increasing he will return to Sydney to spend time with his family.
The Sydney-born superstar has enjoyed another successful World Cup but constant touring has taken a toll.
And Warner has told friends he is keen for a rest before the three Test series against Pakistan.
One friend said: “David’s cooked.”
Warner’s decision to come home isn’t official yet but is likely. He could leave India as early as Monday.
His desire to fly home was only increased after having to watch the Holy Communion of one of his daughters on Sunday morning through Facetime.
Losing Warner, 37, for the entire T20 series will be a significant loss for Australia.
Fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc will miss the T20 series but Warner has been named along with Steve Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Adam Zampa.
The five-match T20 series, which will be completed on December 4, will be a financial gold mine.
However the series has been criticised for failing to allow the winning players from Sunday night’s World Cup final to celebrate.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan slammed the series starting just four days after the World Cup final.
Vaughan posted: “It doesn’t sit right with me that the two finalists four days later will start a T20 series against each other.
“Why can’t we allow players the chance to have a moment’s rest after a WC or whoever wins the chance to celebrate properly for a couple of weeks.
“It’s complete greed and overkill.”
Matthew Wade will lead Australia in the T20 series, which will attract capacity crowds in cricket-mad India.
The series will conclude just a fortnight before the opening Test against Pakistan.
The second Test will be played in Melbourne with Sydney to host the third Test.
Australia vs India T20 series: November 24, November 27, November 29, December 2, December 4.
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