Shocking new role for David Warner as Australian cricketer confirms commentary role for Fox Sports

There’s a shocking new role for Australian cricket superstar David Warner as the 100 Test veteran prepares for life beyond the picket fence.

The 36-year-old opener, who put in a phenomenal double-century at the Boxing Day Test as criticism mounted over a prolonged run of poor form, will be the latest legend to step into the commentary box.

Having already made guest appearances with special commentary, the bubbly Warner is expected to flow seamlessly into the pits once he finally hangs the baggy green.

David Warner, pictured with wife Candice, has found a new role – cricket commentator – with retirement on the horizon

It comes as Cricket Australia on Tuesday confirmed a $1.5 billion broadcasting rights deal with Foxtel and Channel 7 to continue their partnership with the nation’s governing body through 2031.

Former cricket legends such as Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Allan Border and Mark Waugh are just a few of the game’s characters who have proved a hit on both networks this summer.

Unfortunately, the tragic deaths of cricket luminaries Andrew Symonds and Shane Warne have left a gaping void within the Fox cricket team.

There will, of course, never be another “Simmo” or “Warnie,” but Warner shares a desire to share his opinions, regardless of the consequences, like Warne.

And a Symonds-esque boyish enthusiasm that belies a cold, calculated cricket brain that’s often underestimated.

Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany had momentum as he addressed the media at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) after it was confirmed that Cricket Australia had chosen the pay-TV broadcaster’s reliability over the huge bucks they received from American-owned Paramount+.

David Warner scored his first Test century in three years when he scored against South Africans at the MCG 200, with his career hanging by a thread

“I think it’s not possible to replace Shane (Warne) and Andrew (Symonds),” he told reporters from the SCG sacred turf ahead of Wednesday’s test.

“We thought long and hard about what we could do with the reporting. With names like Gilchrist and Guha, Hussey, Border, Waugh, Mel Jones, it’s a very, very big team.

“(But) if you had a shot at a current crop commentator to replace those two, you’d probably have to say Dave Warner is the name,” Delany said.

The Fox boss, who has been in the satellite and streaming service’s hot seat since 2018, hailed Warner as the next big thing in comments and confirmed the channel is rolling out the red carpet.

Foxtel believes the upbeat Warner (right, pictured with wife Candice) will be popular behind the mic with cricket fans, cementing his reputation as a ‘fighter and batter’ to shine with audiences

“He (Warner) is a slugger, he’s a fighter, he’s exciting. From the moment he stepped onto the patch, I remember the big bash in 2011 when he first came to true dominance, we are very happy to have signed him now and into the future ‘ Delany said.

“I think he will be a very, very good cricket commentator.

“We are using him at the moment, he comes sporadically. If he decides to retire, he’ll carry on with us … as long as he wants,” Delany said, appearing to have an open checkbook for the foreseeable future.

Former top pundit turned Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley was equally optimistic about the new recruit.

For his outstanding 200 in the Boxing Day Test, David Warner won the Mullagh Medal and will continue his Testing career for the foreseeable future

“When he (Warner) came out to hit, you could double your audience. He made cricket exciting,’ he said to Fox.

“And he’s the same in the twilight of his career as he was at the beginning – a bold, fearless man.

“I’ve been involved in sports broadcasting for a long time and I believe David Warner is made for commentary in the same way he was made for opening the batting,” Crawley said.

Of course, Warner isn’t retired yet.

Difficult away tours to India and England – where Warner has often struggled – lie ahead, while once this current Test series is over the struggling left-hander will head straight into his first BBL season with the Thunder.

David Warner (right) visited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s official residence, Kirribilli House, on New Year’s Day and has previously indicated he would not mind going into politics

He has also previously hinted that he wants to play at this year’s ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup in 2024 – although his form has drastically slipped in both formats.

Warner has long been smart about thinking about post-cricket life and diversifying his life.

Business interests in which the veteran opener has been involved, valued at an estimated $20 million, include horse-owning marketplace Black Type X, a Victorian brewery of which he is a director, 666Vodka and numerous investment properties associated with a number of other projects accompanied.

He’s even hinted he wouldn’t mind getting into politics – and tested the waters on New Year’s Day with a match against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Kirribilli House.

You can now add comments to this ever-growing list, and no doubt he will thrive in the spotlight.