David Warner has hinted his time in the Big Bash – and T20 cricket globally – isn’t over following the Sydney Thunder’s comprehensive defeat in the final against the Hobart Hurricanes.
Across the tournament on local shores, Warner, 38, impressed as skipper of the men in lime green, and also was commanding at the crease.
He plundered 405 runs, second only to Hurricanes dynamo Mitch Owen, who was the hero on Monday after blasting 108 from just 42 balls as the hosts won their maiden title.
Warner scored 48 in the decider in a bid to set the tone – and his field placings – especially in the Sydney Smash qualifier against the Sixers – were world class.
When quizzed on his playing future, Warner spoke about the importance of giving back to the sport that made him a global star.
‘It’s in my DNA,’ he said.
David Warner has hinted his cricket career isn’t over following the Sydney Thunder’s comprehensive defeat in the final against the Hobart Hurricanes (pictured, with wife Candice)
Post match in Monday in Hobart, David Warner (pictured left) spoke about the importance of giving back to the sport that made him a global star
‘As a player who has played for Australia and had a lot of support over the years, I owe the game and that was coming back here to the BBL.
‘Trying to make my energy infectious and hopefully all these [Thunder] youngsters…. hopefully one of you will be standing here [one day] receiving a winner’s medal.
‘I had a lot of fun, but being amongst the group that we had and the background staff, they all make it worthwhile.
‘That’s why I love coming back….the group, you made me feel welcome as a captain.
‘Hopefully we can come back next year and go one better.’
Meanwhile, Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh was hoping Australia’s selectors were monitoring the rapid performance of Owen, a Tasmanian local.
‘This is as good as hitting as you will ever see from anyone at any time in the history of cricket,’ Waugh said in commentary for Fox Cricket as the Hurricanes star smashed 11 sixes in a jaw-dropping innings.
‘They have no answers. Everything the Thunder has tried, he [Owen] has been able to whack it out of the ground.
‘They [Australian selectors] would have to be taking notice of Mitch Owen’s batting in this tournament. ‘He also fields well and can bowl.’
