We want to get out there and play cricket, that’s our job: David Warner

Australia vice-captain David Warner remains optimistic about the issues of the pay deal to be resolved soon. The matter has been going on for a few months but took an ugly turn when more than 200 cricketers in Australia were effectively left unemployed as their contract ran out on June 30.

Australia A’s tour of South Africa already canceled

As a result of the pay scuffle, Australian cricketers boycotted the development tour of South Africa in July. The cricketers stand together against Cricket Australia’s decision of doing away with the revenue sharing model which has been in existence for 20 years now. The CA had issued fresh contracts which the cricketers refused to sign. The ACA, on the players’ behalf, has been in negotiation with the Board since then but no conclusion has come out in the concerned matter.

Steve Smith on Monday mentioned that there are “key elements” which have to be discussed upon between CA and ACA before they could proceed ahead. His deputy, Warner, is hopeful of an end to the impasse by the end of this week.

“We’re hoping a deal gets done in the next 24 to 48 hours.” the opening batsman told Nine Network on Wednesday.

“Obviously, I don’t know anything that’s been happening this morning.

“Steve spoke last night – he’s been speaking to Pat [Howard, CA executive general manager team performance] and Alistair [Nicholson, ACA chief executive] behind closed doors, which is fantastic for us to hopefully get a deal done” said Warner.

The players have made it clear to the CA that they would boycott the imminent tour of Bangladesh if the pay dispute doesn’t come to an end before their travel date. Australia are scheduled to play a 2-Test series in Bangladesh which kicks off on August 27. The entire squad was scheduled to meet at Darwin for a preparatory camp next week but chances of that hinge on a deal between CA and the ACA.

Warner wants to go to Darwin to prepare for Bangladesh

Warner emphasized that he just want to get out there and play cricket. The pay dispute has taken the focus away from the game but the players remain eager to get back to playing.

“The plan is Darwin, Bangladesh. We want to get out there and play cricket. That’s our job, that’s what we love doing and all the fans out there really want to see us back on the park and playing well.”

Things are very hazy at the moment for Australian cricket. They would want to resolve this matter as quickly as possible for Australia is scheduled to play a limited overs series and then The Ashes in a couple of months time.