David Warner, who recently retired from Test and ODI cricket, will be making a grand entry at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) via a helicopter on Friday. This will be because Warner will fly in to play for Sydney Thunder in their BBL 2023-24 (BBL 13) game against Sydney Sixers.
Warner has signed a big two-year deal contract with Thunder as Cricket Australia made a concerted effort to reintroduce international stars to the league. He has expressed his willingness to return next season but will schedule appearances around his commentary work for the India Test series.
The Sixers, who are trying to secure a playoff position, will have Steve Smith available for the encounter, with some of Australia's Test players making BBL outings in the interim between the Pakistan and West Indies series.
Meanwhile, Warner will be flying into Sydney from his brother’s wedding and using a helicopter to reach the ground on Friday. Weather allowing, he is expected to arrive about 5 pm for what may be a sellout affair, following the wedding in the Hunter Valley and a quick escape to Cessnock airport.
The initial plan had been to use Allianz Stadium next door to the cricket ground but that was ruled out. Now he is expected to touch down on the outfield where the "Thanks Dave" logo was painted during his farewell Test.
His Sydney Thunder teammate Gurinder Sandhu said: "He's going to a lot of effort to come and play for us. We love having him here. Last year he was awesome for us, maybe didn't score as many runs as he would have liked but around the group and passing on knowledge was awesome to have him around. He's one of the better teammen. All the fans get to enjoy him playing cricket."
On the other hand, Sean Abbott of Sixers said: "He is a bit Hollywood, isn't he, that's very Davey. I got the Lime bike in today and I'll be doing the same tomorrow night and riding out the gate as Davey lands. I'm glad they are making it happen because think everyone in the country who is a fan of cricket wants to see David Warner in the BBL and I'm looking forward to coming up against him. One of the best players in the world and has been for a long time."
The game against the Sixers is set to be one of three appearances Warner will make for Thunder this season following his Test retirement.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
