Australian cricket star David Warner has pleaded guilty to a drink-driving charge, putting his position as captain of the Sydney Thunder in jeopardy. The 39-year-old was stopped by police in Sydney's eastern suburbs on 5 April and recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.104, more than twice the legal limit. Warner's lawyer, Bobby Hill, told the Waverley local court that the cricketer did not appear in person but admitted to the offence. Hill said that Warner had consumed three glasses of wine at a friend's apartment before deciding to drive, and that he accepts responsibility for his actions. The incident has raised questions about Warner's suitability to remain as captain of the Sydney Thunder, a franchise cricket team in the Big Bash League.
Warner's guilty plea comes after he was banned from cricket for 12 months and made ineligible for leadership roles over his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. He was reinstated as captain of the Sydney Thunder in 2024, allowing him to take up the role. The Sydney Thunder is part of a government campaign aimed at discouraging drink-driving, and Warner's actions have put his leadership in the spotlight. A sentence will be handed down on 18 August, with Warner facing a minimum six-month driving ban, a fine of up to A$2,200, and a possible prison term of up to nine months.