Aussie opener references former England spinner's mid-series retirement during 2013-14 Ashes series
Warner's cheeky jibe at Graeme Swann
Aussie opener David Warner has had a cheeky jibe at former England spinner Graeme Swann and said Network Ten are 'wasting their money' by employing him as a commentator for the KFC BBL.
Swann, a veteran of 60 Tests and part of Ashes-winning campaigns in 2009, 2010-11 and 2013, famously retired midway through England's 2013-14 Ashes tour after the hosts had taken an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
With the Australians having again wrapped up the Ashes before Christmas this summer, Warner reminded Swann - who is in Australia on commentary duty - of his retirement four years ago.
Great to see @Swannyg66 commentating out here. Thought after being 3-0 down he may have left tour early again. #bbl @tensporttv waste of $$$$ from 10%E2%80%94 David Warner (@davidwarner31) January 2, 2018
Australia's vice-captain also referenced Swann's BBL commentary stint with Channel 10 as he watched Tuesday night's match between Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat at the MCG.
Afterwards, Swann bit back with his own barb toward the left-hander, suggesting he was only happy to sledge after having made some runs.
See you’re still only chirping when you’ve got some runs @davidwarner31 🤣 #bowlingrooty https://t.co/Ltq0eD3vl4%E2%80%94 Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) January 2, 2018
Spinner Nathan Lyon caused a stir before the series began when he referenced the 2013-14 series, which led to the retirement of several high-profile England players.
"Could we end some careers? I hope so," the spinner said.
"I know Joe Root got dropped last time when he was here so it would be good to get him dropped again.
"There's a lot of scars for the English guys. Especially coming over here, especially when we have two guys bowling 150kmh and not just one now."
2017-18 International Fixtures
Magellan Ashes Series
Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird.
England Test squad: Joe Root (c), James Anderson (vc), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Ben Foakes, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.
First Test Australia won by 10 wickets. Scorecard
Second Test Australia won by 120 runs (Day-Night). Scorecard
Third Test Australia won by an innings and 41 runs. Scorecard
Fourth Test Match drawn. Tickets
Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Scorecard
Gillette ODI Series v England
First ODI MCG, January 14. Tickets
Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Tickets
Third ODI SCG, January 21. Tickets
Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Tickets
Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets
Prime Minister's XI
PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets
Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series
First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets
Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets
Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets
Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14
Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16
Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18
Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21