Easy-beats thought Warner would play eight games
Thunder boss on Clarke, Warner
Sydney Thunder General Manager, Nick Cummins, has penned an open letter to fans to explain why the KFC T20 Big Bash League team signed Australian skipper Michael Clarke and Ashes Test hero David Warner.
Warner has managed to play just one BBL game this season while Clarke has not played any.
Responding to criticism from some corners, Cummins openly detailed why the pair were signed up while admitting the decision to do so has been a failure from an on-field perspective.
"In relation to the Clarke signing, Michael’s passion for the Thunder runs deep and he was genuinely keen to play for the club when his international schedule allowed," wrote Cummins in his open letter.
"However, in the lead up to the Ashes Michael’s back injury prohibited him from playing for Australia, and there was genuine concern from Cricket Australia that this injury may see him lost to cricket altogether.
Winning Test cricket is Cricket Australia’s number one priority and they have taken the view that all other forms of cricket must come second in regards to managing Michael’s fitness. This has meant that he was not made available to play for the Thunder at any stage during the season."
In regards to Warner, Cummins said that when the Thunder signed him the powerful batsman had not been selected in the Australia ODI squad for the Carlton Mid series against England.
Cummins added that Warner's 'place was not secure in the Test team and was left out of the ODI tour to India'.
"To David’s credit (and our detriment), he put together a stunning run of centuries in both the Ryobi Cup and Sheffield Shield. We went from expecting David to play as many as all eight BBL games to only having him for one," said Cummins.
"The Brisbane Heat experienced a very similar reversal of fortune around Mitchell Johnson.
While I will not discuss players’ personal contract details, it is important for you to know that both players signed contracts significantly below their market value and that rumours of what they are being paid are vastly exaggerated."
With Clarke and Warner unavailable for selection, the Thunder - which have won just one game - have been deprived of two senior players for the duration of the season.
Cummins has vowed the Thunder will be reviewing how the team structures the contracts of Cricket Australia-contracted players going forward.