‘Drained’ David Warner pulls out of Zimbabwe series

Warner, 27, said on his website that he would not take part in the tri-series with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Australian opener David Warner has pulled out of the limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe in August, citing a draining playing schedule and the upcoming birth of his first child. The adventurous left-hander, who is playing in the Indian Premier League, said on his website that he would not take part in the tri-series with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Warner, 27, said his schedule, including last southern summer’s Ashes series against England and the tour of South Africa, had taken its toll and he wanted to be at home ahead of the expected arrival of his first child in September. Australia are set to play four one-dayers in the tournament in Harare, two against each African nation, as well as a potential final.

“With the World Cup coming up next year and the fact that it’s a ODI tri-series in Zimbabwe, I would normally immediately put my hand up for selection,” Warner wrote. “That’s because playing for Australia is what I’ve always wanted to do since I was a youngster and you never want to miss an opportunity.

Much-needed break

“But that’s what happens in life, you settle down, you get married and you have children. After a long few months of non-stop cricket and, with a baby on the way, I need some time off.”

Australian coach Darren Lehmann said family coming first was an important part of his team philosophy and he had approved of Warner’s decision. Warner will return to the national set-up for October’s series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

“We are 100 percent supportive of David choosing to stay home and await the birth of his first baby,” Lehmann said. “It is an important time in anyone’s life and I am a firm believer that family comes first.”

Warner has become an indispensable part of the Australian Test and ODI teams with eight Test centuries and two tons in the limited form of the game.

Switch-hit: Sprinter Blake eyes cricketing career post athletics

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LONDON: Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake says he is eyeing a switch to cricket when he retires from athletics. The 24-year-old former world champion, who was a fast bowler in high school, says he has held talks with Yorkshire and joked on BBC radio that he “can make the (England) team.”

A Yorkshire spokesman said the club is flattered by the two-time Olympic silver medalist’s interest and that he would be welcome for training. Blake will be competing at a Diamond League meeting in Glasgow on July 11 but has yet to decide whether he will take part in the Commonwealth Games, which take place from July 23-Aug. 3 in the Scottish city.

“I’m OK, you know. I can make the England team,” the 24-year-old double Olympic silver medallist said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “I’m good in the outfield, so they would probably pick me for that as well.”

“I’ve been wanting to play for Yorkshire or in England so, after running, definitely I’ll put my mind to that. We have some talks with some of the people (at Yorkshire).”

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