David Warner 'still the best by a country mile' as Sydney Thunder lead into BBL final

In unpacking how Sydney Thunder transformed from BBL laughing stock to final force, it’s impossible to overstate the impact of the “ball of power”. David Warner.

Not only did the Thunder collect the wooden spoon last season, they snagged it with gull-like precision in a miserable one-win campaign.

On Monday night, they face the Hobart Hurricanes with a golden opportunity to add A title of the club It was won by Jacques Kallis, Shane Watson and Michael Hessey in 2016.

Warner has been on the Thunder’s books for the past two seasons, memorably arriving by helicopter for an SCG derby after his brother’s wedding in the Hunter Valley, but has been a bit part player due to national team commitments. This summer, the 38-year-old was the face of the franchise and the BBL.

Warner captained the Thunder, after Cricket Australia lifted his leadership ban over a ball-tampering scandal, scoring a league-best 357 and seeing one on a mission at every turn.

The Thunder star “is still the best player of the tournament by a country mile,” he confirmed Sam Billings Dr. “It’s coming from an Englishman, but you can see why he’s been one of the best players of the last 15 years in this format. He’s incredible.

“Unbelievable talent. But also the way he thinks about the game. And his attitude about the game and that energy, it’s contagious … Anyone who steps on the field with him, you’re a foot taller.”

But Warner’s words of passion and wisdom, and the knock-on effects throughout the Thunder squad, have deepened during the injury crisis.

Sagha first picked Warner’s brain as they played grade cricket together in 2018-19, having spent the entire summer with Randwick Petersham during a year-long ban from international and domestic cricket. On Friday night, Sanga made a seamless return from injury in a 29-run opening stand with Warner.

“Davy has been great with all the boys, he’s always helping us get better,” Sangh told AAP. “It’s great to go out there and bat with someone like him.

“I remember I had a kaboom when I was a kid, it was one of my first cricket bats.

Warner’s men have won back-to-back knock out finals, with different players coming up at key moments in both matches.

“He is encouraging everyone – be it bat, ball or field – to always be brave,” Sangh said. “Take yourself to the game and give yourself back

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