Australia’s opener David Warner recently bid adieu to Test and ODI cricket after the Sydney Test against Pakistan, which saw Australia securing an eight-wicket victory, completing a 3-0 whitewash.
Though Warner couldn’t hit the winning runs in his final Test, his contribution of 57 runs was pivotal as Australia comfortably chased down a target of 130 runs. Shaheen Afridi, the Pakistani pacer, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Warner, acknowledging his impact on cricket and wishing him success in the future.
During the post-match ceremony, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood presented David Warner with Babar Azam’s signed shirt, a gesture of appreciation.
Warner, with a career total of 8,786 runs in 112 Tests at an average of 44.59 and 26 centuries, emotionally credited his family for their support and cherished moments together.
David Warner shared an emotional speech after the match, acknowledging his family’s support and the impact they’ve had on his life. He credited his parents for providing a wonderful upbringing, and following his brother’s footsteps in his cricket journey, and expressed gratitude to his wife, Candice, for her influence and support in shaping their beautiful family life.
Reflecting on his cricket career, Warner expressed mixed emotions about watching his teammates continue without him but praised the team’s energy and class. He hoped to be remembered as an exciting and entertaining player who brought smiles to people’s faces, encouraging young aspiring cricketers to follow their dreams.
Warner highlighted the significance of Test cricket, considering it the pinnacle of the sport. He encouraged dedication to the red-ball format, emphasizing its entertainment value alongside white-ball cricket.
Pakistan’s poor performance in Australia continued, having lost 17 consecutive Tests there since their last win in 1995. Australia had already sealed the series with victories in the first two Tests in Perth and Melbourne before the Sydney fixture.