David Warner Reflects on Criticism Since 2018 Scandal

David Warner believes he has borne the brunt of the criticism since the sandpaper ball-tampering scandal. The authorities banned Warner, along with then-captain Steve Smith, for a year following the 2018 incident during a Test match against South Africa. They suspended Cameron Bancroft, who executed the tampering, for nine months. As Warner looks forward to retiring from international cricket at the end of the ongoing T20 World Cup, he expressed relief at the prospect of no longer being reminded of the Cape Town events.

“One can only absorb so much,” the 37-year-old told Cricket Australia. “Since 2018, I’ve taken most of the flak. It’s great to know I won’t have to deal with it anymore.” The investigation identified David Warner as the mastermind behind the tampering plan, while Smith knew about it but did nothing to prevent it. Unlike his counterparts, the authorities handed Warner a lifelong ban from leadership roles within the Australian team. Yet, he remains a crucial player as Australia aims to secure the T20 world title to add to their 50-over and World Test Championship victories.

Warner acknowledges that the scandal will always be part of his legacy but hopes cricket enthusiasts will also remember him for his impactful batting. “True cricket enthusiasts will remember me as a cricketer who tried to change the game,” he said. “I aspired to follow in the footsteps of great openers before me, aiming to score runs at a fast pace and transform Test cricket.”