Warner fears for future of Test cricket
After the Sydney Thunder were eliminated from the Big Bash, Australian opener David Warner left his young teammates with parting advice: Leaving a legacy in cricket means pursuing a Test career.
Warner expressed fears about the future of Test cricket at the Australian Cricket Awards on Monday, saying younger players had started targeting lucrative franchise deals rather than the baggy green.
Tim David’s $1.53 million contract at last year’s IPL auction was the richest contract by an Australian this year and proved once and for all that foreign players don’t need to make a name for themselves at Test level to compete in white ball to make a lot of money.
Dan Christian, Chris Lynn and Marcus Stoinis are among the other active Australians who have become household names, toured the world and made big bucks without playing Test cricket.
While Warner’s Thunder feature some of Australia’s finest young talent including Ollie Davies, Tanveer Sangha and Jason Sangha, Warner doubted the next generation would be all-in in Test cricket.
“I spoke to (Davies) the other day. He likes to play white ball cricket, I can’t see him playing red ball cricket anytime soon,” Warner told reporters.
“If he wants to focus on that, he can definitely play.
“But I’m a bit scared of what’s going to happen in the next five to 10 years, where cricket is actually going.
“I’d love for lads to come over and play red ball cricket and Test cricket because that’s the legacy you should be leaving.
“Playing in the test arena is incredible. Forgive the pun, but it’s a real cricket test and shows how well you measure up against the greats of the game.”
Warner is living proof that it’s possible to lead white-ball brilliance to international glory; When selected for the T20I side in 2009, he became the first man since 1877 to debut for Australia without playing a first-class game. He’s played a century of tests.
And as he reaches the twilight of his international career, Warner challenges the next generation of T20 guns not to give up their chance at an international career in all three formats.
If for no other reason, he says, playing Test cricket could give players a better chance of attracting foreign franchise interest.
“Guys are just seeing short term right now with all the leagues and stuff,” he said.
“The best way to get value for your currency is to make a name for yourself.
“There was only a small minority of people who were able to do it and who have had long careers (without playing Test cricket).”
