Sydney Thunder name David Warner captain as Sandpapergate leadership ban is overturned

David Warner is back – in a big way. The champion Australian batsman will play a very different role this summer after Cricket Australia finally lifted his final Sandpapergate penalty.

David Warner will make his long-awaited return to cricket captaincy in Australia, after being confirmed as leader of the Sydney Thunder this summer.

After Cricket Australia two weeks ago overturned Warner’s lifetime leadership ban, it was always only a matter of time until the landmark appointment was made by the Thunder who had heavily driven the push to have the ban lifted.

Warner’s appointment means Chris Green has been removed as Thunder captain, with the western Sydney franchise desperate for a circuit breaker to turn around their middling fortunes over recent years.

Green will continue on in the side under Warner who said the honour of once again being allowed to lead a team on Australian soil was an honour.

“Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me. I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic,” Warner said.

David Warner has been named captain of the Sydney Thunder for the upcoming BBL season. Picture: Getty

“I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through.

“Leadership off the field is just as crucial. I want to create an environment where we can all take a break from the game, bond, and enjoy ourselves. Whether it’s over a team meal, out on the golf course or engaging with our fans in Western Sydney, it’s all about building camaraderie and staying grounded.”

During his six years in the wilderness following his lifetime leadership ban over Sandpapergate, Warner has led overseas T20 teams, including in the IPL, but not been allowed to skipper a side in Australia.

The players’ association pushed hard for an overturning of Warner’s ban two summers ago when he was still playing for Australia, but the process Cricket Australia was trying to follow blew up on the tarmac when they tried to make it a public hearing.

Warner had been banned from any leadership roles, owing to his role in the sandpaper scandal in South Africa in 2018. Picture: AFP

Secretly in the background this year, the Thunder helped push for an independent panel to examine Warner’s case, resulting in the ban being overturned.

The mysterious disappearance of ball tampering allegations against the touring Indians in Mackay earlier this week further illustrated how harshly Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft were dealt with compared to how other nations and international cricket have ruled on ball tampering.

Warner shares a close working relationship with Thunder coach, Trevor Bayliss and the two are charged with turning around the Thunder franchise and getting a largely untapped western Sydney fan base onside.

Reflecting on previous captains, Warner acknowledged the impact of former leaders on the team:

“I want to compliment the way Greeny (Chris Green) led from the front. He’s an exceptional talent with fantastic leadership qualities,” Warner said.

“Jason Sangha, too, before his injury. I gained great insight from both, and I know they’re guys I can lean on this season.”

Originally published as Sydney Thunder name David Warner captain as Sandpapergate leadership ban is overturned