‘Means a lot to me’: David Warner handed Big Bash captaincy in 13-year first

David Warner has been named captain for the upcoming Big Bash League, furthering his redemption story after the sandpaper scandal.

Former Australian opener David Warner has been named captain of the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League, furthering his redemption story following the Cape Town ball-tampering saga.

The 38-year-old, one of the sport’s successful T20 cricketers, replaces all-rounder Chris Green as the Thunder’s captain ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, which gets underway next month.

Warner has led the Thunder only once before, the club’s first Big Bash match in December 2011, cracking an unbeaten 102 as the men in lime green defeated the Melbourne Stars by six wickets at the MCG.

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“Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me,” Warner said in a statement.

“I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic. I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through.

“I want to compliment the way Greeny led from the front. He’s an exceptional talent with fantastic leadership qualities. Jason Sangha, too, before his injury. I gained great insight from both, and I know they’re guys I can lean on this season.”

David Warner has been named captain of the Sydney Thunder. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

The decision comes after the lifetime ban Cricket Australia placed on Warner following the 2018 sandpaper scandal was unanimously lifted by an independent panel, deeming him eligible for future leadership roles.

Last month, Warner challenged the ban and appeared before an independent three-member panel, which agreed that the sanction placed on him six years ago had “achieved its purpose”.

“One of the most exciting parts of this role is the chance to give back to the younger players, to pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years,” Warner continued.

“I want to help them grow so that one day, one of these young guns can step up and lead the team when I’m done.

“We have an incredible group of young players like Ollie Davies, Jason Sangha, and Sam Konstas. They’re fearless and have so much potential. My goal is to guide them, help them learn the game, and ultimately give them the tools to thrive both in the BBL and beyond.”

Former Australian teammate Trent Copeland, general manager of the Thunder, declared the appointment was a “huge moment” for Warner and the club.

“It’s not only about his career; it’s about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players,” Copeland said in a statement.

“For the fans in Western Sydney who’ve long recognised David as a Thunder legend, it’s a special moment to now see him as their captain.

“This captaincy is about more than cricket; it’s about community, legacy, and helping our younger players gain the skills they need to succeed.”

The Thunder, who finished bottom of the BBL ladder last summer, get their season underway on Tuesday, December 17, facing the Adelaide Strikers at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.

Originally published as ‘Means a lot to me’: David Warner handed Big Bash captaincy in 13-year first