AUS vs PAK: "I Hope I Put A Smile On Everyone’s Face" - David Warner After Farewell Test
Published - 06 Jan 2024, 05:57 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
Australian opener David Warner expressed his wish to be remembered as a player who brought excitement and entertainment to the game. David Warner extended his gratitude to the home crowd, acknowledging their unwavering support over the course of a decade.
Warner bid farewell to Test cricket after the recent Test against Pakistan on Saturday. The opener received an enthusiastic reception from the home crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with spectators gathered to witness Warner don the whites for the final time.
The left-handed batter has dominated bowlers across various conditions and formats since his international debut in 2009. Warner scored 8786 runs in 112 Tests at an average of 44.6, including 26 centuries and 37 half-centuries, with a high score of 335 against Pakistan.
The southpaw announced his retirement from ODIs earlier in the week. He scored over 6,000 runs in 161 matches and was a pivotal figure in Australia’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2023. He scored over 15,000 international runs across the three formats.
It’s Really Much Appreciated – David Warner
Speaking after the third Test match against Pakistan, David Warner emphasized his hope to bring smiles to everyone’s face through his on-field performances. Warner acknowledged the unwavering support from the home crowd over the last decade.
“Exciting, entertaining, and I hope I put a smile on everyone’s face with the way I played,” Warner said after the game.
“To come here in front of your home crowd with the support they’ve shown me and the Australian cricket over the last decade of my career, I can’t thank them enough. Without you guys, we aren’t able to do what we do. It’s really much appreciated.”
Warner scored a half-century in his final Test innings for Australia. He formed a crucial 119-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne after the early loss of Usman Khawaja. He scored 57 runs off 75 balls, leading Australia to a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
It’s Pretty Much A Dream Come True – David Warner
David Warner attributed the consistent success of Australian cricket to the dedicated players in the team, emphasizing their hard work for every assignment.
“It’s pretty much a dream come true. You win 3-0 and cap off what’s been a great 18 months to 2 years for the Australian cricket team. World Test Championship win, Ashes series draw and then the World Cup. To come here and finish 3-0 is an outstanding achievement. I’m proud to be with a bunch of great cricketers here,” Warner further stated.
“These guys, they work their backsides off, the engine room – the three big quicks plus Mitchell Marsh – they work tirelessly in the nets and in the gym. Credit to them, the physios, the staff behind that … is outstanding. You look at them, they are amazing, I don’t have to face them ever again in the nets, which I don’t do anyway, so that helps.”
The 37-year-old will continue to play for Australia in the shorter format. Warner is expected to retire from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup but expressed openness to a potential return for the 2025 Champions Trophy if he continues playing well.
