BBL club’s move after Warner ban lifted

David Warner will captain the Sydney Thunder in this year’s Big Bash League just two weeks after the former Australian star had his lifetime leadership ban lifted by an independent three-person panel.

The swashbuckling opener received the lifetime ban from Cricket Australia for his role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa but successfully appealed the decision last month.

Warner replaces Chris Green as skipper, with the veteran hoping to turn the Thunder’s luck around after they finished with the wooden spoon last season.

The veteran opener was the club’s captain in their first season, and he now has the chance to lead the new crop of Thunder stars.

“Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me,” Warner said.

“I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that ‘C’ next to my name feels fantastic. I’m looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through.

“Leadership off the field is just as crucial. I want to create an environment where we can all take a break from the game, bond and enjoy ourselves.

“Whether it’s over a team meal, out on the golf course or engaging with our fans in Western Sydney, it’s all about building camaraderie and staying grounded.

“I want to compliment the way Greeny (Green) led from the front. He’s an exceptional talent with fantastic leadership qualities. Jason Sangha, too, before his injury. I gained great insight from both, and I know they’re guys I can lean on this season.

“One of the most exciting parts of this role is the chance to give back to the younger players, to pass on some of the knowledge I’ve gathered over the years. I want to help them grow so that one day, one of these young guns can step up and lead the team when I’m done.

“We have an incredible group of young players like Ollie Davies, Jason Sangha, and Sam Konstas. They’re fearless and have so much potential. My goal is to guide them, help them learn the game and ultimately give them the tools to thrive both in the BBL and beyond.”

Family is a big reason why Warner wants to lead from the front, and it’s a point that Thunder general manager Trent Copeland stressed when the ban was lifted last month.

Warner now looms as one of the most important figures in the BBL this season given he no longer has to focus on his international commitments, with the Thunder a sleeping giant in the competition after winning just one game last year.

“Appointing David Warner as captain isn’t just about winning, it’s about setting up our young players for success, surrounding them with leadership on and off the field,” Copeland said.

“In bringing in leaders like David and Sam Billings for the full season, from start to finish alongside Chris Green, Jason Sangha and many others, we’re building a foundation that empowers our young talent to learn and thrive.

“Chris Green, for example, has done a fantastic job as captain of Sydney Thunder. He’s an absolute fan favourite and a core member of the team moving forward who’s essential to our success on the field.

“This is a huge moment for David and for our club. It’s not only about his career; it’s about the legacy he’s creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.

“For the fans in Western Sydney who’ve long recognised David as a Thunder legend, it’s a special moment to now see him as their captain.

“This captaincy is about more than cricket; it’s about community, legacy and helping our younger players gain the skills they need to succeed.”