David Warner is eligible for leadership positions in Australian cricket after his leadership ban was lifted by Cricket Australia.

Only days after Warner revealed he would consider reversing his Australian Test retirement, the 37-year-old has seen his lifetime leadership ban revoked – a penalty installed for his involvement in the 20`8 sandpaper scandal.

Warner will now be able to captain NSW and Sydney Thunder in Australian domestic cricket, or be a vice-captain in Tests if he makes an unlikely return to that arena.

WARNER NEWS:

A statement from Cricket Australia said: “Cricket Australia’s (CA) Conduct Commission has modified David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban effective immediately.

“In a unanimous decision, the independent three-member Review Panel determined that Warner had met the necessary criteria to have the ban lifted.

“In its decision the panel noted “the respectful and contrite tone of his (Warner’s) responses, as well as the content impressed the Review Panel and led it to the unanimous view that he was sincere and genuine in acknowledging responsibility for the conduct and in his statement that he had extreme remorse for his conduct”.

“The panel also considered references citing “the contribution that Mr Warner has made, and can make in the future, towards the development of young cricketers in Australia if they were given the opportunity to be led by Mr Warner, his important continuing role in fostering interest in cricket especially with the South Asian community in Australia and generally”.”

Warner’s possible Test return has been a hot topic in recent days with former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson making his stance clear.

Johnson emphasized the need to focus on grooming younger players rather than relying on veterans for a short-term fix.

In his column for The Nightly, Johnson said, “Although retired, David Warner has put his hand up to return. I’m not sure what the point of playing one more series would be. If I’m a selector in this circumstance, I’m looking to develop the next generation for this Australian team. Not bringing a retired player back into what is already an ageing team for one series.”