"I Don't Think Anyone Has The Right To Choose Farewell.." - Ex Australian Pacer Slams David Warner
Updated - 24 Nov 2023, 02:26 PM
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Former Australian cricketer Simon O’Donnell criticized the concept of farewell Tests, stating that retirement timing should not be dictated by individuals. Simon O’Donnell highlighted David Warner’s desire to play his last Test at his home ground in Sydney against Pakistan.
David Warner is set to retire from Test cricket after the third Test match against Pakistan in January 2024. The left-handed batter will conclude his illustrious red-ball career in front of the home crowd. However, he will continue to represent the team in white-ball cricket.
It’s An Honor To Play For Australia – Simon O’Donnell
Speaking on Sen Radio, Simon O’Donnell expressed his disapproval of players having the privilege to choose the venue and date for their farewell. The former pacer emphasized that representing the Australian cricket team is an honor.
“I don’t like farewell tours. I didn’t like it back in Steve Waugh’s Day or Mark Taylor’s Day. I think you’re invited to play for Australia and it’s an honor to do that,” O’Donnell said.
“I don’t think anyone has the right to say, ‘I’ll finish, on the 30th of June this year,'” he further stated.
What’s Going To Muddy The Waters – Simon O’Donnell
O’Donnell questioned the plan to include David Warner in the Test team, considering the potential delay for other players like Cameron Bancroft. He acknowledged Warner’s success in white-ball cricket but emphasized that it was time for a change in red-ball cricket.
“Do you make him wait another summer? Because that’s what he’s going to have to do if that plan (to play Warner) goes ahead,” O’Donnell remarked.
“I do in the white ball (format), no problem at all. But with the red ball, I think it’s time. But we’re in this corner, we’re just coming off a World Cup, and that’s going to muddy the waters. Everyone will say, ‘Oh yeah, what about his World Cup?’ So that buys some more time (for Warner), I think,” he concluded.
Australia is scheduled to face Pakistan in a three-match Test series, with the first match starting on December 14 in Perth. The home team will host the remaining two matches in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.
