Warner makes stunning IPL return

David Warner might still be five days away from his international ban being lifted but the Australian has offered a stunning example of what could be to come with a sparkling 85 in his return to the Indian Premier League with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Playing in his first professional match since undergoing elbow surgery, Warner burst out of the blocks against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens.

The left-hander teamed up with Ashes rival Jonny Bairstow to put on a century stand for the opening wicket, before the Englishman fell for 39 with the score at 118.

It was a partnership dominated by Warner, who brought up a 31-ball half-century with a six, having earlier had a life when a sharp caught behind chance was spilled by Dinesh Karthik.

It was the 32-year-old's 37th IPL fifty - the most in the tournament's history - and his 53-ball innings included nine fours and three sixes before he was out in the 16th over looking to up the run rate. 

Meanwhile, the return date for Warner's fellow Cape Town conspirator Steve Smith at Rajasthan Royals remains unclear, with the ex-Aussie skipper still recovering from elbow surgery of his own.