Australian opener David Warner admitted Monday that playing cricket in bio-bubbles in times of the Covid-19 pandemic has put a heavy strain on his family life and that his main goal is now to represent his country in the next two T20 World Cups.
Warner accepted that the last six months had been quite difficult for an international cricketer and refused to set the number of series he would play for Australia over the next 12 months.
“… it will be very difficult to be able to do that. The last half year has been a challenge in itself, getting used to these blisters and getting used to not having a family with me,” he said.
“They are things that every player has different circumstances. The next 12 months are very difficult, if you look at the calendar. There will definitely be times when you can come home and have time with your family. We’re leaving just not to get that time to see our family and the end of 14 days in a hotel to bring three children and a wife here it will be very difficult.
“I would never put you in a situation where you have to quarantine for 14 days at home,” Warner said in a virtual press conference moderated by the official broadcaster of the upcoming Indo-Australian series, Sony.
At 34, Warner insisted that he would prefer to play more T20 games, particularly with two ICC World T20 events coming up over the next two years.
The ICC Men’s World T20 will be held for consecutive years after the world governing body was forced to postpone this year’s tournament in Australia to 2022. India is slated to host the event in 2021.
“This is something that we have already identified as players and coaches. I think you are looking at our one-day and T20 teams. What we pick is pretty relevant to what we can expect at the next World Cup.” If we take some time off, it will be between these series. Obviously the preference is to play these world championships, “said Warner.
“Given that there is a T20 World Cup in India, the T20 World Cup is preferred first. But of course there is this next T20 World Cup in Australia too. So there is a lot of T20 stuff for the next couple.” of years along with preparing for that 50-over World Cup in 2023, “he added.
Warner also ruled out playing in the Big Bash League again until he retired from international cricket.
“It is difficult for us players to play all three forms, even if there is a window. You have to take this break because you are also going into summer. There is no off-season for us,” he said.
“You play overseas and then you come into the (home) summer, then you have to play Big Bash, then you play more tests or an ODI series and then you go away. It’s time for us to actually have free time.
“For myself I have three children at home and a wife to whom I also owe my time. So it’s very difficult to play all three forms. I don’t think I’ll be playing while I’m still playing for Australia. That is to be honest, “said Warner, who only had two stints in the BBL and has not participated in his home tournament since 2013/14.
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