Bailey puts an end to speculations of Warner’s return for Champions Trophy 2025
George Bailey, the chair of the Australian men's selection panel, commented on the potential return of David Warner for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
David Warner announced his retirement from the T20I format following Australia's exit from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, marking the end of his international cricket career after retiring from ODIs and Tests earlier this year.
In an Instagram post looking back at his career, Warner said that the focus going forward will be on franchise cricket but kept the door open for Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan ‘if selected’.
George Bailey has confirmed that Australia's focus will be on the future, indicating that they consider Warner retired from international cricket.
"I think he's just stirring the pot a bit," Bailey said during the press conference after announcing Australia’s squad for the white-ball tour of the UK.
"Our understanding is that David's retired and should be commended on what is an incredible career across all three formats.
"Certainly our planning is he won't be there in Pakistan.
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The southpaw was Australia's leading run-scorer with 535 runs at an average of 48.63.
With a focus on what's ahead, Australia included young guns Cooper Connolly and Jake Fraser-McGurk in the squads set to face Scotland and England.
A notable omission from the squad was Matthew Wade, as Josh Inglis was chosen for the wicket-keeper role in both the T20I and ODI squads.
Bailey clarified that Wade is not retired and could still be considered for a return, but expressed excitement about giving Inglis an opportunity.
"I don't think there's anyone that's not there (in the UK squads) that we've put a line through permanently besides David (Warner) who's retired," Bailey said.
"I don't think anyone else has formally retired.
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"If opportunities arise or there are gaps at a different point there's nothing to say that Wadey might not come back, but certainly at this point we're excited about giving Josh (Inglis) a run.
Australia will travel to the United Kingdom for a white-ball tour in September, starting with a three-match T20I series against Scotland after which they will face England in three T20Is and five ODIs.