Sydney, [15-07-24] – Australia’s men’s chief selector, George Bailey, has officially ruled out veteran opener David Warner from selection in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, confirming Warner’s retirement from international cricket.
Warner had previously hinted at the possibility of extending his career to participate in the 2025 Champions Trophy after announcing his retirement following Australia’s exit in the Super Eights of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Bailey, addressing the media, praised Warner’s remarkable career across all formats but affirmed that the decision to exclude Warner from future selections was based on his retirement status.
“Our understanding is that David is retired, and he should be acknowledged for his incredible contributions to Australian cricket across all three formats. While there may have been speculations, it’s clear now that David is fully retired,” stated Bailey.
Bailey also highlighted the contributions of other key players like Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc, emphasizing their roles in the upcoming Champions Trophy and potentially the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
“We haven’t closed the door permanently on anyone besides David. Players like Glenn and Mitch, who were rested recently, are very much part of our plans for the Champions Trophy. Mitchell Starc, in particular, is set for a significant role this summer,” Bailey added.
Looking ahead, Bailey expressed optimism about Australia’s squad transition, noting the emergence of new talents like Josh Inglis while acknowledging the leadership qualities of Mitchell Marsh during the recent T20 World Cup.
“I commend Mitchell Marsh for his leadership during the T20 World Cup despite our disappointing results in the Super Eights. His clarity and commitment as captain have been commendable,” remarked Bailey.
The confirmation of David Warner’s retirement marks a pivotal moment in Australian cricket as the team prepares for upcoming challenges with a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents.
George Bailey’s announcement solidifies David Warner’s retirement from international cricket, celebrating his legacy while signaling Australia’s strategic focus on upcoming tournaments under new leadership and evolving squad dynamics.
