It’s All About David Warner In His Final Test At The Sydney Cricket Ground Against Pakistan

There was always going to be a build-up to the third test between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground, home of David Warner, with the opening batsman himself playing his final test in the traditional style of the game. Warner has contributed to the build-up to what is essentially a game in which Australia has already secured the three-test series with wins in Perth and Melbourne. At the SCG, the visitors still have something to aim for because Pakistan last defeated Australia in a test match back in 1985.

Warner to retire from One-day cricket format

At a press conference on New Year’s Day, Warner declared that one-day internationals will now be included on his retirement list. However, in true David Warner manner, he stated that if requested, he will return for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Following Australia’s recent World Cup victory in India, when he led the winning team in runs scored, he stated that the time had come to call it a day for his ODI career to end.  At least until the Twenty20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean in June, Warner will keep playing Twenty20 cricket for Australia.

“It was a (ODI) decision that I was very, very comfortable with,” the 37-year-old Warner told Australian Associated Press. “To win in India, from where we were, was absolutely amazing.”

Flashback to Warner’s game

Australia lost two early games in the group stage of the World Cup, denting its title hopes, but Warner said it helped inspire the squad. “The bond just got stronger with each other and it’s not by fluke or by chance that we were able to get to where we were,” he said.

Warner has amassed 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58 in 111 test matches, with 26 centuries and a career-high 335 not out against Pakistan in 2019.

Warner, a two-time World Cup winner and the sixth-highest run scorer in Australian ODI history with 6,932 runs from 161 matches, is retiring from the 50-over game. With 105 more innings played than Warner, Ricky Ponting has scored 29 ODI centuries, making his 22 the highest of any Australian player.

The Champions Trophy, set to be played in Pakistan next year, is among the only pieces of silverware missing from Warner’s resume; the last time Australia won it in 2009, he was not yet a certainty for selection in the starting side. “If I’m playing decent cricket in two years’ time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available,” he said.

Also Read: Steve Waugh Decries ‘Disrespectful’ South African Test Squad, Calls on ICC and Major Boards to Preserve Test Cricket Legacy

What is future plan for David Warner

Warner claimed that the choice to forgo the ODIs will increase the number of opportunities to play franchise cricket abroad, like as in the ILT20 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates. His contract with the Sydney Thunder expires at the conclusion of this season, and he is keen to stay in Australia’s Big Bash League.

Later this year, Warner will commentate on Fox Sports television, but starting on Wednesday, he will once more open the batting for an Australian team looking to sweep Pakistan in test matches.

The starting eleven that defeated Melbourne by 79 runs will not alter, according to Australian selectors. This implies that Cameron Green, an all-around player, and pace bowler Scott Boland will once more not start in the opening lineup.