Six years on from 'Sandpaper-gate', Warner to captain BBL team

Six years on from the 'Sandpaper-gate' ball-tampering scandal, former Australia batsman David Warner has been appointed captain of the T20 Big Bash League team Sydney Thunder.

Warner's life ban from leadership roles in Australian cricket due to his role in 'Sandpaper-gate' was lifted last month by Cricket Australia.

The prolific opening batsman, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, was branded the ringleader of the plot to tamper with the ball in the third test against South Africa in Cape Town in 2018.

Warner, along with former Australia captain Steve Smith, was banned from elite cricket for a year, while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

"Captaining the Thunder again this season means a lot to me," Warner, who was the team's foundation skipper, said in a statement.

"I was part of the team from the start, and now to be back with that 'C' next to my name feels fantastic.

"I'm looking forward to leading from the front and sharing my experience with the young talent coming through."

- Reuters