'It can be handled differently': David Warner's explosive revelation on ball tampering scandal

In a startling declaration, David Warner announces his retirement from ODI cricket with immediate effect. Warner will retire from Test cricket too after playing the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground which happens to be his home ground. His last ODI turned out to be the World Cup final against India in Ahmedabad.

3 things you need to know

• David Warner announced his retirement from ODIs
• The Australian opener is also scheduled to play his last Test at SCG
• Warner has been one of the most decorated Australian cricketers

David Warner was involved in the famous “Sandpaper Gate” scandal

Warner had an illustrious career across the three formats and will end as the 6th highest Aussie run scorer in the limited-over format. But in 2018 the “Sandpaper Gate” scandal rocked the cricket world as Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith and Warner were heavily sanctioned by Cricket Australia for being involved in ball-tampering against South Africa. The camera caught Bancroft using sandpaper to modify the shape of the ball and later investigation found out that Warner was behind the entire operation.

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He was banned for a year and was also barred from holding a leadership position for Australia in future. 

David Warner reflects on the ball-tampering scandal

On being asked about the event the player said, "I knew a question like this was going to come up. When I look back at that, it can be handled differently. But I think Nick (Hockley, CA's chief executive) did his ultimate best to put that forward to the board and the decision was made, and I am happy with that. I have moved forward from that. I have got opportunities to lead in the IPL, to lead in the ILT20. I have enjoyed my leadership roles.

“When I left South Africa, the first five or six people that came up to me were priests and gave me a card. Then we went on a holiday to Singapore after that and there was a big church convention. I then sat back and spoke to Candice, and said someone was clearly watching down upon us. I just grew strength from there to go back, play grade cricket, get a sense of that cricket community back - the canteen ladies, people who run the drinks out, taking on and off the covers - it was a sense of something I sort of got disconnected with. I think a lot of us do because we are in that bubble but when you go back and see the real people who are working hard, which we did as young kids, that is what I reflect most upon.”