Look to become a role model for youngsters: James Sutherland warns David Warner

David Warner

Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Sutherland has given left-handed opening batsman David Warner a clear warning to stay away from any verbal duels and instead focus on his job on the field. The 28-year-old was involved in a verbal confrontation with India opener Rohit Sharma at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday, where he seemed to have asked the right-handed batsman to “speak English”.

Warner was consequently docked 50% of his match fees.

“Quite simply, he needs to stop looking for trouble,” Sutherland said. “This is the second time he has been before the ICC match referee this season and that’s twice too often.

“From my discussion with David, I am satisfied that his comments to Rohit Sharma were not racially motivated.

“That said, I have reminded him that he needs to carefully reconsider the manner in which he approaches these sorts of situations in the future,” he added.

I’ve reminded Warner of his responsibilities: Sutherland

The 49-year-old further added that he has asked Warner to remember that he is setting the wrong example to a lot of youngsters who are keenly hooked on to the game with such behaviour.

“I have spoken to David to understand what happened in the incident with Rohit Sharma yesterday and to remind him of his responsibilities as an Australian cricketer and a role model,” he said.

Not perturbed by the incident, Rohit went on to score his sixth ODI ton to help India post 267 for 8 in their 50 overs. That total, however, was upstaged by the Aussies with 4 wickets and an over to spare.