David Warner flags elbow pain after smashing 14 off 3 deliveries batting right-handed in BPL, will return to Australia

Seems like the one-year ban has allowed Australian opener David Warner to evolve new aspects to his batting, without compromising on his old hard-hitting style.

Currently playing in Bangladesh's T20 league for Sylhet Sixers, Warner whacked 61 off 36 balls to lead his franchise to a 27-run win over Rangpur Riders.

Warner, however, surprised everyone when he took right-handed guard against Chris Gayle and smacked him for 14 runs off three balls.

Batting on 45, Gayle lined up back-to-back dot balls to Warner, forcing the former Aussie vice-captain to switch his guard.

Post which, the right-handed Warner slammed the first ball for a six straight down the ground, followed by two boundaries.

"It was one of those things (batting right-handed) at the back of my mind as I couldn't get Chris (Gayle) away because of his height and the lengths that he was bowling. I play golf right-handed, so I thought I might as well come and swing and clear the ropes. It came off," Warner was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Later Warner reported he experienced elbow pain during the fixture and is set to leave the Sylhet franchise and return to Australia to be medically assessed.

According to cricket.com.au Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Warner will head home on Monday, 21 January, to have his injury assessed.

However, Warner will continue to play for the Sylhet Sixers before he departs, implying he will take part in the games to played on 18 and 19 January.

Warner's injury concern comes five days after suspended former Australian captain Steve Smith left the BPL with a similar injury. Smith returned home to Australia and has undergone surgery on his elbow and will be in a brace for six weeks as he recuperates from surgery.

Smith and Warner are serving for their involvement in the Cape Town ball-tampering incident expire on 28 March 2019.