David Warner’s Perspective On The Future Of Trans-Tasman Cricket

Veteran Australian opener David Warner has called for more regular cricket tournaments between Australia and New Zealand.

Warner believes the future of cricket relies on continuing the strong trans-Tasman rivalry.

The two nations are currently facing off in a T20 series for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy. This will be 37-year-old Warner’s last bilateral series for Australia before he retires from international cricket after the T20 World Cup later this year.

Speaking ahead of the series in Wellington, Warner said he feels Australia does not tour New Zealand frequently enough anymore. He pointed out that New Zealand has come over to Australia “six or seven times” since he last played in New Zealand back in 2010.

“Definitely, Australia could come over here more,” Warner said. “With our rivalry and being close neighbours, it just fits.”

According to Warner, keeping this historic rivalry alive with regular tournaments is crucial for the interest and growth of cricket in both countries. Fans on both sides are always passionate when Australia and New Zealand meet on the cricket field.

Warner has seen first-hand the passion Kiwi crowds have, even recalling some unsavoury verbal abuse directed his way during the 2016 tour. But he believes engaging this passion through more visits is vital.

The opening batsman has experienced cricket in New Zealand from the very small scale to the very large.

When he first toured New Zealand in 2010 after breaking into the Australian team, Warner played some matches domestically for the Northern Knights. This included a trip to Oamaru, a quiet town of just 14,000 people on the South Island.

“I literally thought it was a ghost town. I was walking down the street. It was a Saturday… there was just no one there,” Warner said.

“We legitimately played on a football field, it was quite crazy because, coming from Australia, it’d be like playing on a rugby league field.”

In contrast, this T20 series will conclude with matches at a packed Eden Park, attracting huge crowds due to the rivalry.

Warner believes it is a shame the two teams do not meet more often. Previously, the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy was only on the line when they played ODIs.

But the cricket administrations in both countries have recently agreed to expand it to T20 contests as well. This will give the trophy named after Australian legends Greg Chappell and Ian Chappell, and New Zealand great Sir Richard Hadlee, more exposure.

The families of Chappell and Hadlee have also welcomed the change to ensure the trophy remains relevant.

Warner will finish his illustrious career for Australia at the T20 World Cup later this year. But he hopes Cricket Australia will schedule more regular tours to New Zealand going forward.

The veteran wants young Australian players of the future to be able to enjoy the same intense rivalry he has had the privilege to experience during his career.