Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Pat Cummins responds to David Warner's comments on Test return

Australian captain Pat Cummins has ruled out any possibility of David Warner returning to the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India later this year. Despite Warner’s recent remarks hinting at a comeback, Cummins confirmed that the veteran opener, who retired from international cricket after his farewell Test against Pakistan in Sydney, won’t be considered for the five-match series against India starting in November.

His retirement, following the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, left a void in Australia’s opening lineup. Although Steve Smith briefly took over the opener role, the experiment was unsuccessful, prompting selectors to search for a reliable partner for Usman Khawaja. However, Warner, now 37, recently surprised fans by suggesting he could be ready to step in if required, stating he would even play another Sheffield Shield game to prepare.

"I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone," the 37-year-old told Code Sports.

"I’m always dead serious. Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red-ball game since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve almost had the same preparation. Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play," he added.

In response, Cummins humorously addressed Warner's comments on The Grade Cricketer podcast, acknowledging Warner’s playful nature.

"Dave, we’re very interested. We’re taking it very seriously and we’ll be in touch, mate," Pat Cummins said on the podcast.

"I did speak to Dave a couple of days ago. I can’t remember if he reached out or I did… he’s like, “What do you think?”, and I was like, “Yeah, good luck with [Sydney] Thunder and I look forward to your comments on Fox,” he said.

"I think the truth’s somewhere in the middle. I reckon it (offer) is a bit of a wind-up but I reckon he doesn’t mind seeing himself in the back page. We love Davey but he is retired," he added.

With Warner ruled out, the race to partner Khawaja in the opening slot heats up. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and young gun Sam Konstas have been selected for the Australia A squad to face India A in two games that may determine the final Test lineup. Konstas, an uncapped talent, has bolstered his case with two centuries in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season.

The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.