3 Reasons Why David Warner's Return In BGT 2024 Could Be A Masterstroke From Australia

David Warner has made himself avaailable for BGT 2024 (Source@@mufaddal_vohra/X.com)

David Warner retired from Test cricket after the New Year Test against Pakistan at SCG in early 2024, and since then, Australia have been struggling to find a stable opening pair. Warner was the pillar of Australia's batting line-up for more than a decade and his aggressive and consistent run-scoring at the top of the order played a big role in their success.

There is clear confusion in Australian cricket now, with selectors still not sure about the opening partner of Usman Khawaja. In such a precarious situation ahead of BGT, David Warner has come up with a shocking statement, stating that he would make his comeback for the India Test series if selectors ask him to. It has created quite a lot of buzz in the cricketing circles, and here are a few reasons why his inclusion in the Australian squad for BGT would be a masterstroke. 

How Will David Warner's Inclusion End Australia's Opening Conundrum?

David Warner and Usman Khawaja formed a very strong and reliable opening pair and there was no problem at the top of the order till the time the two were together. As a result, Australia were never able to groom a backup opener and when Warner retired, they decided to take a drastic step by bringing in Steve Smith at the top of the order. The move did not work and now with Cameron Green out of the series, Smith is all set to be back at his preferred number 4 position.

Players like Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Whiteman and even young Sam Kontas are in line to take the opening position, but there is no clarity still, and plenty of opinions are floating around in Australian cricketing circles. It might hamper Australia's preparation and even the performance of a player who will take the spot as he will be in constant pressure of retaining his place. Also, India is a tough opponent and this series is an important one for Australia to qualify for the WTC final. So, including Warner for just this series could end the confusion and help Australia enter BGT with a stable outlook.

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How Is David Warner's Performance In BGT Down Under?

David Warner has played 18 innings against India in Australia in Test cricket and has scored 760 runs. His average is 42.2 and he has hit four centuries. All those knocks have been impactful as he has scored his runs almost at a strike rate of 80. So, he has a good record against India in Australian conditions and it can help Kangaroos big time, if he does comeback with a renewed energy and motivation. 

Does Australia Have A Like-For-Like David Warner's Replacement?

David Warner has the ability to take on the bowling right from the onset and it makes him an x-factor. Right throughout his Test career, he plundered bowling attacks with his aggressive batting, and that helped Australia gain early momentum in a Test match quite often. Of all the options that are now in race to take his opening position, no one has the kind of game that Warner had. They all play traditional form of Test cricket and given how the format is evolving, a player who can put the pressure on the opposition with his aggressive batting can play a big role in a team's success.

It becomes even more important against a strong team like India who have recently shown that they would not back away from playing aggressive brand of cricket. So, if Warner is included in the side and if he fires, it could make Australia's life bit easy and they can put Indian pacers under pressure which could prove decisive.

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