Disgraced Warner to play Sydney club cricket

AFP  |  Sydney 

Disgraced former Australian will start his road to redemption by playing club with Sydney's Petersham, officials said.

But he is free to play at club level and is set to make a return to the field in September.

club president Mike Whitney, a former Test fast bowler, said Warner will play in at least three of the first four matches of the season.

"We're delighted to have him. He's one of the best players has had since World War II," he told the local Southern Courier newspaper on Wednesday.

"He's been speaking to one of our club officials and he has committed to the first three or four rounds of the season. Why it is only three or four rounds at this stage I don't know."

Warner has also been linked with playing in the Northern Territory's limited-overs

Whitney, who played 12 Tests for Australia, said he emailed Warner shortly after he was banned in April to tell him the door was open.

"Everyone is excited to have him. He will be great in the changing rooms with younger players," Whitney said.

Warner has been on the books at since 2013-14, but has rarely played due to state, international and commitments.

He was identified as the mastermind behind the plan to tamper with the ball. While former was charged with knowledge of the plot, Warner was charged with developing it and instructing to carry it out.

Earlier this week, Bancroft was cleared to play club in Western while serving his suspension. plans are not yet known.

New has indicated he will welcome all three back into the team once their bans are served, if their form justifies selection.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Thu, May 17 2018. 09:55 IST