News by “Sana Ullah”
Australian cricket sensation David Warner, renowned for his explosive opening performances, declared his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket just before his final Test match against Pakistan this week.
Warner leaves behind an illustrious career in the 50-over format, boasting 161 matches, 6,932 runs, and an impressive average of 45.30. His 22 centuries place him second among Australian players, trailing only Ricky Ponting.
The 37-year-old will don his cricket gear for the 112th and ultimate Test in his hometown of Sydney on Wednesday. During a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he not only bid adieu to Test cricket but also formally announced his departure from ODIs, where he had been a fixture since his debut in 2009, contributing to the team’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023.
“I’ve got to give back to the family, and also on the back of that, I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well,” he stated.
While stepping away from ODIs, Warner hinted at a potential return for the 2025 Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place in Pakistan after a six-year hiatus. The tournament might witness a format change to T20, adding intrigue to Warner’s potential involvement.
His decision, driven by family priorities and a focus on other cricket formats, aims to contribute to the T20 World Cup in 2024 and various T20 leagues globally. Warner expressed his willingness to make way for younger players in the national ODI team while continuing to excel in the shorter format.
Warner’s departure from ODIs creates an opening conundrum for Australia in their upcoming series against the West Indies in February, following a two-Test series in Adelaide and Brisbane.
Beyond statistics, Cricket Australia praised Warner’s “amazing Test career” and highlighted his “wonderful attacking style” that captivated audiences worldwide. National coach Andrew McDonald even hailed him as “probably our greatest ever three-format player.”
Despite a controversial chapter in his career with the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, resulting in a year-long ban, Warner considers his Test career a “fairytale ending” as he hangs up his gloves in Sydney. Reflecting on his legacy, he aspires to be remembered as someone “authentic and honest” who gave his all on the field.
