David Warner was named captain of Big Bash League team Sydney Thunder on Wednesday, a fortnight after having his lifetime ban on any leadership role in Australian cricket lifted.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Warner was cast as the main villain in the so-called "Sandpapergate" scandal in the Cape Town Test of 2018.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The opening batsman, who this year retired from international cricket, conspired with Australia's then-skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft to tamper with the surface of the ball using sandpaper.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was suspended from playing for a year and banned from any leadership role for life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A Cricket Australia panel last month decided that Warner met the criteria to have the ban lifted immediately, noting his "respectful and contrite tone".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"David Warner has officially been announced as Sydney Thunder captain," said a club statement Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Thunder will begin their season in the Twenty20 BBL against Adelaide Strikers in Canberra on December 17.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me," said the 38-year-old Warner.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I was part of the team from the start and now to be back with that 'C' next to my name feels fantastic.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I'm looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sydney Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said: "This is a huge moment for David and for our club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It's not only about his career. It's about the legacy he's creating, especially for his family and the next generation of players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n