Former Australia women’s skipper Lisa Sthalekar has hit back at David Warner after he revealed that he would be willing to come out of retirement if his nation need him.

The Aussies are currently weighing up who will open in their upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series clash with India, with several names being linked with the position but no one concretely in line to fulfil the role.

The uncertainty prompted Warner to raise his hand and suggest that he could open, despite retiring from Test cricket last season. The 37-year-old’s remarks have received a mixed reception, with Sthalekar among those to speak out against Warner’s return plea.

She told The Nightly: “What baffles me is that this guy had his swansong last summer to say farewell and finish on his terms. One could argue that because of that allowance, the team is in this situation as selectors didn’t use those Tests wisely to blood the next opener.

“Therefore, Warner suggesting to answer the mayday call if it was to come, will only kick the issue down the road again. With England coming out next summer, enough is enough.”

Warner played the last Test game of his career against Pakistan in January, though he hinted that he was hoping that a return was in the offing by admitting that he had even been in contact with men’s coach Andrew McDonald and chief selector George Bailey to make them aware of his willingness to return as an opener.

He told News Corp earlier this week: “I’m always available, just got to pick up the phone. I’m always dead serious. Let’s be honest, the guys have played one red ball game (first round of the shield) since their last Test matches in February, so I’ve almost had the same preparation.

“Honestly, if they really needed myself for this series, I’m more than happy to play the next Shield game and go out there and play.