Warner made two appearances last season – including a helicopter arrival at the SCG ahead of the derby against the Sydney Sixers – followed by six in 2022-2023 after signing a two-year, two-year contract. In all these eight outings he scored 149 runs at 21.28.
With his Test career over Warner may be more available and has spoken of a desire to return despite having broadcasting commitments in the Australia-India Test series that enters the first half of the BBL season.
“Confidence is high, there’s a process to follow in that,” Copeland said of Warner’s return. “He’s a champion of the team, a long-time member and he’s never really had opportunities in his career to just live and breathe all summer. So I’m really determined to make that happen.”
Warner has an ILT20 deal with the Dubai Capitals, which he joined after playing for the Thunder last season, but the UAE competition will start at the beginning of next January and will continue with most of the BBL.
“Davey is a great friend of mine but I don’t take it for granted that there are many things around the world in terms of club cricket that want his help,” said Copeland. “Let’s make sure we do that and he can be a Thunder man for the rest of his life. I think it would be an interesting story to finish what has been an amazing career for him.”
Speaking ahead of his final Test in January, Warner said: “I’m definitely committed to playing the Big Bash next year. There will be discussions after they allow me to do that.
“Obviously I’ve joined the Fox commentary team next year during the Test series against India, which I’m really looking forward to. So I’d love to play [the BBL] in and around the analysis material. I have to make sure that I am one, I play to the best of my ability and, secondly, I don’t hinder the team’s play or disrupt the balance of the team. “
The Thunder had a huge chance of securing their first overseas title, but had to settle for third place after the Melbourne Stars and Renegades finished ahead of them.
“I’m completely blown away, to be honest,” Copeland joked when asked about the weighted lottery. “We had a very high chance of selection. Heartbreak…I was excited about the prospect of getting to No. 1.
“To be honest, in the environment we live in and the BBL framework, number 3 doesn’t change our plans. We have the skills we’re after, a clear and distinct group that stands out at the top of our group. It’s an important list, and I hope we get one of those.”
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