'The best version': How the polarising David Warner cemented his 'legacy' with Sydney Thunder
Sydney Thunder's incredible rise from the bottom of the Big Bash ladder to this year's final is one of the great stories of the summer.
Despite missing a host of key names for a large chunk of the season due to injury, the western Sydney battlers have surged into the BBL|14 decider on Monday night.
At the forefront has been David Warner, who was bestowed the captaincy prior to the tournament after his lifetime leadership ban was overturned by Cricket Australia.
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The 38-year-old has gone on to blast more runs than any other player this season and has played a major role in the Thunder's revival.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, chief executive and former teammate Trent Copeland explained the siginifance of Warner's involvement for the franchise and why this might be "the best version" of the Australian legend fans have ever seen.
David Warner has been on fire in the Big Bash. Getty
"Chris Green has been a great captain and leader of this club ... but when [Warner] speaks to the room, like he did this day, he speaks about purpose, about who we are and about how we carry ourselves," Copeland said.
"Just looking around the room that day and the captive audience, they were all ready to go on the journey with him.
"The best version of David Warner is what we are seeing right now.
"I think it started with the leadership stuff quite some time ago. That was about much more than the Thunder, that was about legacy, family and some things in his opinion that needed to change. And I'm glad they did."
Warner's 357 runs have lifted an injury-ravaged team into their first decider in almost a decade, while his leadership alongside English import Sam Billings has been top notch.
Among the players who have been sidelined are Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams, who were involved in a sickening collision earlier in the season.
Cameron Bancroft is assisted from the field while medical staff attend to Daniel Sams. Getty
Top-order batter Jason Sangha has managed just two games, while spinner Tanveer Sangha has been in and out of the lineup due to a side strain.
Michael Hussey hopes to see his former team go all the way after the "adversity" they have been forced to deal with.
"It's definitely on the cards," Hussey told the Herald.
"The way David Warner has led the team this year has been phenomenal. It's given this team so much belief. They've had to deal with so much adversity, but they keep finding a way to get over the line."
The final against the Hobart Hurricanes in Hobart on Monday night is already sold out.
