Warner back for one last T20 bash at Black Caps
David Warner is holding on to his grievances with New Zealand crowds as he gears up for his final Twenty20 series against the Black Caps.
During Australia’s last full tour of New Zealand in 2016, Warner expressed dissatisfaction with the abuse he and his teammates faced from the home crowds in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch.
The Australians were subjected to personal and derogatory remarks, prompting Warner to criticise the crowd’s behaviour. Speaking at the time, Warner said the comments were “pretty derogatory and pretty vulgar”.
Approaching the end of his international cricket career, the 37-yearold took a swipe at those attending matches to hurl abuse at players. Despite the past incidents, he emphasised his enjoyment of playing in New Zealand, focusing on giving his best performance and scoring runs.
“The crowd, yeah, they got personal, but if they have to get personal, that’s their character,” said Warner. “I just go about my business. But that’s upon each individual, if that’s what they feel like they have to do, then so be it.
“If you want to pay your money to come and abuse people, you have to go back and lay in your own bed. We’re here to play the game of cricket that we love, enjoy and put bums on seats to keep the game going.”
Australian cricket fans gained notoriety in the 1980s when crowds packed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground’s Bay 13 would chant “Hadlee’s a wanker”, as the great New Zealand cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee played.
With his international retirement imminent, Warner farewelled test cricket last month at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The World Cup final win over India last year marked his last ODI.
The upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and United States will be the culmination of his international career, as he aims to finish with one last trophy.
Anticipating the T20 series against New Zealand, Warner acknowledged the competitive spirit between the transtasman rivals and expected a challenging atmosphere from the Kiwi crowds.
“It’s always the harsh reality that we’re neighbours; in sport, we like to beat each other.”
Warner, who debuted internationally in 2009, also had a stint with Northern Districts in what is now the T20 Super Smash and suggested a New Zealand team should be included in Australia’s Big Bash League.
“My first [ND] game was in Oamaru, so that was an eye-opener. There wasn’t much there but I really enjoyed it. There was exceptional talent coming through there; you’re showcasing that now, it’s great.
“I’ve always said we should have a New Zealand team in the Big Bash competition. You have the NRL and Super 15 [Super Rugby] now. All that works well, but logistically, I don’t know how that fits.”