David Warner may already be planning his post-playing career, but that doesn't mean the superstar opener is hanging up the boots right away.
Following a record broadcast deal between Cricket Australia, Foxtel and Channel 7, it was also announced that Warner would be joining the Fox Cricket team moving forward in a great move for the network.
The 36-year-old bounced back to form with a brilliant double-century in the Boxing Day Test, knocking back any questions over his place in the Australian side and cementing his spot heading into a massive 2023.
Warner is expected to play in both the away series against India and England, as well as a potential World Test Championship final, before returning home to play in the home summer in 12 months time.
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But there have also been comments from Warner directly that his time in the Baggy Green is coming to an end soon, with his focus likely turning to white-ball cricket in the twilight stages of his career.
His potential retirement from Test cricket, along with the likes of Usman Khawaja and Nathan Lyon in the foreseeable future, could see the Aussies forced to deal with another mass exodus similar to 2007 or 2015.
But according to Warner, the opening duo and long-time close mates have made a pact not to leave the Aussies scrambling for replacements if they both leave at the same time.
“People have already been talking about my retirement, but there's another 12 months to go and we’ll see how we go from there," he told Fox Cricket.
"We’re going to enjoy the next 12 months...for us it’s about not leaving this team with a big hole. I know through those five-year transition period when a lot of the greats left, they’re big holes to fill with the amount of games you play.
"We always talk about games played and how much that means into a team’s performance and perspective with experience. You can’t fill that void.
“We’ve got great players coming through with [Matt] Renshaw now coming back into the fold. He has spoke about learning his lessons from when he first came in, which is awesome.
"Marcus Harris has 15 to 20 Tests under his belt. He’s got that experience, now it’s taking that game to the next level for him and establishing his spot.
"The team is in a great spot for when we decide to leave, or get tapped on the shoulder.”
Matt Renshaw made a long-awaited return to the Test side for the SCG clash against South Africa, but will be forced to bat in the middle-order in an unfamiliar spot at No.6 for Australia.
Warner's move into the commentary box was certainly a move only few saw coming, and the left-handed dynamo is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of the game's greats.
“It’s a pleasure to be approached and welcomed into the Fox family," he said.
"In these next 12 months, I will probably do some part-time stuff and wherever I’m needed or wherever I’m available, I will help out.
"For me, it was having Richie [Benaud] or Tony Greig call your name out as a kid…they were two guys who were significant with their voices, and obviously Bill Lawry on Boxing Day.
"For me it was those blokes and I am nowhere near their league, but hopefully I can contribute as much as I can.
"It’s just about calling the situation as it is, analyse the game and try and bring my cricketing brain up to the commentary box.
"I’m sure you guys will help me out as an apprentice…I’ll say it how it is, I have created a few headlines in the past and there might be some in the future."
