Melbourne: Australian selector George Bailey has dismissed David Warner's hint at coming out of retirement for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next year, saying the former opener is "just stirring the pot".
"I think he's just stirring the pot a bit," Bailey said. "Our understanding is that David's retired and should be commended on what is an incredible career across all three formats."
Warner's Instagram post suggesting he was available for selection sparked speculation about his potential return to the national team. However, Bailey confirmed that Warner is not part of their future plans, and his absence from the upcoming UK tour is permanent.
"Certainly, our planning is he won't be there in Pakistan," Bailey added.
Bailey also addressed the absence of Matthew Wade, who was overlooked for the UK tour. "Matthew Wade is not there, but that doesn't mean he's been permanently retired. We're excited to give Josh Inglis a run."
Mitchell Starc and Glenn Maxwell, who are both missing the T20 component of the UK tour, will join the squad for the ODI series against England. "For Glenn and Mitch, the one-day Champions Trophy is very much on the horizon, a really important tournament for those guys," Bailey said.
The selectors are looking ahead to the T20 World Cup in 2026, with Bailey stating, "We've got nine T20 games before the end of this year, which is an opportunity to explore some different looks in the way the team's structured... We probably aren't looking that far ahead, but we know that's a important tournament."
Bailey's comments indicate that Warner's suggestion was merely a provocative move, rather than a serious intention to return to international cricket. The selector's remarks have poured cold water on hopes of a Warner comeback, and the focus has shifted to younger players like Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly.
"I don't think there's anyone that's not there (in the UK squads) that we've put a line through permanently besides David (Warner) who's retired," Bailey said.
Test skipper Pat Cummins is also focusing on being in prime physical shape as Australia look to defeat India in Tests on home soil for the first time in three attempts, and therefore will miss the entirety of the UK sojourn. He also confirmed Cummins will resume captaincy of the ODI team when he returns, but his plan to prioritise fitness work ahead of the India Test series which is followed by a further two Tests in Sri Lanka had been formulated some time ago.
Teams for England tour
Australia T20 squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa
Australia ODI squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa