Former Australia vice-captain David Warner appeared in Channel Nine on Saturday (June 16) night to discuss the ball-tampering scandal that shook the cricketing fraternity in March.  

Warner, who was found to be the instigator in the entire fiasco, was handed a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia (CA). Besides Warner, CA had imposed severe punishments on former Australia skipper Steve Smith and rookie opener Cameron Bancroft as well. While Smith was banned for one-year, Bancroft was barred from international cricket for a period of 9-month. 

According to the reports in news.com.au, Warner revealed that he has spoken to his Aussie teammates and they are comfortable with him returning to the Test team in the aftermath of his suspension period.

“I would like to think that I’ve got the trust and confidence in the team. I’ve asked that question to them and they’ve all said ‘yes’ they’d love to have us back,” Warner told Channel 9, as per the quotes in news.com.au.

“First and foremost it’s earning the respect and trust back from the public and Cricket Australia. (It’s) making sure we’re putting our hands up in all these leagues and tournaments and grade cricket (so) we’re playing good enough cricket and warrant that call-up.

“We’re really pumped to be allowed to actually be allowed to go over and play in that tournament (in Canada). It is our road back. I’ve been back at NSW training … getting the muscles going again and strengthening them up to be able to go back to play cricket,” he added.

Following their investigation, Cricket Australia had also mentioned that the convicted trio will have to complete 100 hours of community service before being considered for future selection. While Smith and Bancroft will have to wait two years before they are considered for leadership roles, Warner will never again be considered for captaincy.

Warner also confessed he finds it difficult to be in public after the anger that he had experienced from fans following the scandal.

“Every time I walk out of the house I do feel like there are eyes watching me,” Warner said on Channel 9. But you can’t keep thinking about that, you’ve got to get on with life and move forward. It was my fault and I accepted that and now it’s about moving on and dealing with it in my own way and as a family,” he asserted.

“It really hurts me not just (missing) cricket, but seeing the guys cop a lot of flak over what’s happened. I feel I should be the one copping that brunt over there with them,” Warner concluded.

However, the Australian public was not pleased with the generous way Warner was treated in the show. Fans vented their frustration at Channel 9’s panel for not asking Warner to give a better explanation about the disgraceful saga.