‘Hollywood’ David Warner arrives at SCG in helicopter ahead of Sydney Smash

With Fisher’s 2018 anthem ‘Shedding It’ blaring from the venue’s audio system, Warner and spouse Candice descended onto the hallowed floor with tons of of onlookers watching on, principally comprised of media and Cricket NSW workers. He waved at a small group of followers within the MA Noble Stand earlier than retiring to the sheds forward of the Sydney Smash.

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“It was cool to see Sydney from up above on a cracking day,” Warner advised Channel 7.

“I would appear to be somewhat little bit of a goose if I don’t get any runs.”

Fifty metres away, Thunder teammate Cameron Bancroft and Sixers rival Steve Smith, who was unveiled as Australia’s new Take a look at opener earlier this week, warmed up for the sold-out Large Bash League contest in adjoining nets.

The helicopter landed in entrance of the long-lasting Members’ Stand on the identical patch of grass that displayed a painted message of ‘Thanks Dave’ throughout final week’s New Tear’s Take a look at match towards Pakistan. It was hoped Warner would emerge from the plane donning a tuxedo, James Bond model, however as a substitute he wore Sydney Thunder package.

“He’s a bit Hollywood, isn’t he? It is extremely Davey,” Sydney Sixers seamer Sean Abbott laughed whereas chatting to reporters on Thursday.

“I bought the Lime bike in right this moment and I’ll be doing the identical tomorrow night time. So I’ll be driving out the gate there as Davey lands.”

Warner had boarded the helicopter at Cessnock Airport simply over 45 minutes earlier, having raced throughout from his brother’s marriage ceremony within the Hunter Valley. The 37-year-old left earlier than the reception to make sure he may take part in Friday night’s Large Bash League derby between the Sixers and Thunder on the SCG.

He additionally posted footage from the helicopter journey to his Instagram story.

“If I missed my brother’s marriage ceremony, he would in all probability … jab me within the jaw a couple of occasions,” Abbott joked.

Initially, Cricket NSW and Venues NSW have been negotiating whether or not Warner’s helicopter may contact down at subsequent door’s Allianz Stadium, however the plan was finally scrapped.

“I’m glad they’re making it occur as a result of I believe everybody within the nation who’s a fan of cricket desires to see David Warner enjoying within the BBL,” Abbott continued.

“I’m actually trying ahead to arising towards probably the greatest gamers on the planet. He has been for a very long time.”

Friday’s derby would be the first of Warner’s three Large Bash appearances this summer time, except the Thunder in some way qualify for the finals collection, which at this stage is barely a mathematical chance.

After Wednesday’s group-stage match towards the Melbourne Renegades at Sydney Showground, the veteran opener will fly to the United Arab Emirates for a stint with the Dubai Capitals within the Worldwide League T20. Earlier this week, chief selector George Bailey confirmed Warner would then return dwelling in February for the bilateral T20 collection towards the West Indies, lacking the ILT20 finals marketing campaign.

Warner, within the last 12 months of his two-season take care of the Thunder, compiled 99 runs in six knocks at 19.80 throughout final summer time’s Large Bash with an underwhelming strike charge of 108.79.

“He’s going to lots of effort to return and play,” Thunder bowler Gurinder Sandhu advised reporters on Wednesday.

“We love having him right here. Final 12 months he was superior for us.

“He perhaps didn’t rating as many runs as he would have appreciated however he was superior across the group and was passing on info.

“I believe he’s one of many higher workforce males that we have now in Cricket Australia and now all of the followers get to take pleasure in him enjoying cricket.

“Hopefully, he can put his greatest foot ahead and rating 100 like he did in BBL01 enjoying for the Thunder.

“Plus along with his vitality out within the subject, it’ll be superior having him on the market.”

The Sydney Smash will get underway on the SCG on Friday at 7.15pm AEDT.

Initially revealed as ‘He’s a bit Hollywood’: David Warner arrives at SCG in helicopter forward of Sydney Smash