BBL final: David Warner hoping to lead Sydney Thunder to grand final win

David Warner is hoping to become the first Thunder captain to lift the BBL trophy since Mike Hussey – and it would be a triumph over adversity if his side was able to.

David Warner’s first season in charge of Sydney Thunder has been built on adversity.

The Thunder lost key all-rounder Daniel Sams and batter Cameron Bancroft mid-tournament after a horror collision.

At one stage, they even called assistant coach Dan Christian out of retirement at 41 years of age.

Sam Konstas is in Sri Lanka, Sherfane Rutherford the middle east and Ollie Davies injured from the team which faced Adelaide Strikers in the Thunder’s season opener on December 17.

Perhaps what best sums up the chaos that has befallen the Thunder is that Warner has had six different opening partners in 11 games – Jason Sangha being the latest.

Sydney Thunder captain David Warner and Hobart Hurricanes captain Nathan Ellis in Hobart ahead of the BBL Final. Picture: Linda Higginson.

The Thunder will hope the backs-against-the-wall mentality which has been the cornerstone of their campaign can help them silence the purple army at Ninja Stadium on Monday night.

“Hopefully we can come here and spoil the party for the Hobart fans,” Warner said.

The final shapes as an opportunity for Warner to add another trophy to his bulging cabinet.

But he was not keen to reflect on what leading the Thunder to a BBL title only months after having his leadership ban overturned would mean for his legacy.

“I think first and foremost for the Sydney Thunder and the Thunder fans it would be unbelievable,” he said.

“Haven’t won since 2016. It would mean a lot to the fans and the guys in that changing room and the background staff.

Sam Konstas won’t line up for the Thunder on Monday night. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images.

Ollie Davies is injured for the BBL final. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

“For me personally it’s just going out there and playing another game of cricket. We reflect on winning tournaments and World Cups and all that probably when you finish.

“Obviously it would be nice to have that in the cabinet as well but most importantly it’s about the group of guys that are there, the staff and all the fans at home.”

The Hurricanes triumphed by six wickets when they faced the Thunder on January 10, with Tim David’s unbeaten 68 from 38 balls sealing an emphatic win.

Warner gave little away about how his side would try to combat big hitters David and Mitch Owen, two players capable of single-handedly ending the Thunder’s dream of their first title since Mike Hussey steered them to the BBL05 crown.

“It’s about going out there and trying to execute our skill and if we bat well and bowl well enough hopefully we can come up trumps,” Warner said.

“If you dwell on certain players for too long it can cloud your mind and your judgement.”

Originally published as BBL final: David Warner hoping to lead Sydney Thunder to grand final win