How manager to the stars James Erskine helped rebuild David Warner’s career after ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal left star Aussie batsman facing a VERY uncertain future

Following the infamous scenes in Cape Town back in 2018 which resulted in David Warner being handed a 12-month ban from the sport, rebuilding his tattered image was crucial.

Enter manager to the stars James Erskine.

Having overseen the late Shane Warne – no stranger to drama himself – there was no better man for the job.

Erskine told Warner to pay his dues following the ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal and look to give back to the game.

Playing grade cricket in Sydney with Randwick Petersham wasn’t to be viewed as a chore, it was an opportunity to offer Warner perspective.

Manager to the stars James Erskine was given the task of restoring Warner’s tattered reputation 

Erskine also credited Warner’s wife Candice (pictured right) for her unwavering support

Appreciate what you have, and don’t let it slip through your fingers for a second time.

Oh, and sell the Bentley.

‘After one of our chats, I realised he owned a Bentley. I said, ‘by the way, one last thing – lose the Bentley,’ Erskine told 3AW radio.

‘Four days later he arrived in a Toyota truck, so I thought that was pretty impressive.’

Erskine also credited Warner’s wife Candice for being his rock and doesn’t believe the outgoing batsman – playing his final Test in Sydney – would have bounced back without her unwavering support.

‘I can’t praise Candice more highly. I have a lot of time for her,’ he said.

‘To be brutally honest, I don’t think David would have got through it all and be the person he is if Candice hadn’t been his missus.’

Warner will resume on six not out on day two of the third Test against Pakistan at the SCG on Thursday in his farewell.

A century in front of his family and friends would be the ultimate way to go out – and you get the feeling the boy from working class roots in Matraville is poised to write his own sporting script.