Sydney, Australia – In a heartfelt announcement, Australian cricket stalwart David Warner has decided to bring an end to his illustrious Test and One Day International (ODI) careers. The 37-year-old opener, a pivotal figure in Australia’s triumph at the ICC Cricket World Cup in India last year, made this revelation at a press conference on Monday, surrounded by his family.
Warner’s final ODI appearance was marked by a stellar performance in Australia’s victory against India in the ICC ODI World Cup final on November 19. Serving as Australia’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, he played a crucial role in securing Australia’s sixth World Cup title.
The seasoned cricketer, with 112 Test matches under his belt, will bow out on a high note, concluding his Test career with the upcoming match against Pakistan at his home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), scheduled to commence on Wednesday.
David Warner bows out of ODI cricket a two-time World Cup winner and Australia's sixth-most prolific run scorer pic.twitter.com/LGn44T1UCL
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 1, 2024
Speaking emotionally at the press conference, Warner expressed his desire to prioritize family time. “I’ve got to give back to the family, and also on the back of that [World Cup] I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well,” he announced, surrounded by his wife and children.
Reflecting on his ODI career, Warner leaves behind an impressive legacy, having scored 22 centuries and accumulated 6,932 runs at an average of 45.30 over 161 ODIs since his debut in January 2009. His contributions played a pivotal role in securing two World Cup victories for Australia in the format.
While bidding adieu to the white-ball format, Warner, in a surprising twist, left the door slightly ajar for a potential return. He expressed his willingness to consider participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy if the team requires his services. “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 affirmed.
The Champions Trophy, set to be resurrected in 2025 in Pakistan after a hiatus since 2017, holds a special place in Warner’s heart. While traditionally a 50-over competition, there are reports suggesting a shift towards a T20 format.
Warner’s retirement marks the end of an era for Australian cricket, with the charismatic opener leaving an indelible mark on the sport. As fans and cricket enthusiasts bid farewell to one of the game’s greats, the prospect of a potential return in the Champions Trophy adds an intriguing layer to Warner’s farewell narrative.
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