David Warner has decided to give up on the dream of donning the captaincy hat once again after alleged constant scrutinisation from Cricket Australia (CA) that has deeply affected his family in the process. Warner has officially withdrawn from getting his lifelong leadership ban removed as he penned down an emotional message on his Instagram explaining what his family has gone through.
“They want to conduct a public spectacle to, in the Panel’s words, have a “cleansing”. I am not prepared for my family to be the washing machine for cricket’s dirty laundry,” he wrote.
“It appears that the Panel has given no more than passing consideration to issues of player welfare and the interests of Australian cricket and is instead determined to conduct a public lynching.
“Regrettably, I have no practical alternative at this point in time but to withdraw my application. I am not prepared to subject my family or my teammates to further trauma and disruption by accepting a departure from the way in which my application should be dealt with pursuant to the Code of Conduct.
“Some things are more important than cricket.”
Warner's wife responded to the post and commented "Now is not the time" and "Family first". The former vice-captain has started to get the support from his teammates as well. Marcus Stoinis was the first to respond with a heart on the post.
In 2018, Warner was banned from international cricket after the ‘sandpapergate’ on South Africa tour. CA also took the decision that the opener will not be given a leadership role in the Australian side again.
Warner is currently a part of the Australian squad in the home Test series against West Indies. He contributed with scores of 5 and 48 in the first and second innings respectively in the first Test. It will be interesting to see if he gets the nod for the South Africa series which will start from December 17, especially after his shocking revelation.
Meanwhile Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the second Test in Adelaide due to a quad strain. In his absence, Steve Smith will lead the hosts.
