In a surprising announcement, Australian cricket stalwart David Warner declared his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) on Monday, setting the stage for an emotional farewell Test match against Pakistan commencing on January 3 at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The decision came after Warner reflected on his cricket journey during the 2023 World Cup, where Australia clinched the championship. The left-handed batsman expressed a desire to dedicate more time to his family, citing the need to give back to his wife Candice and their three daughters – Ivy, Isla, and Indi.
“I’ve got to give back to the family. That (ODI retirement) was something I had said through the World Cup; to get through that and win that in India is a massive achievement,” Warner explained during a press conference in Sydney. While bidding adieu to ODIs, Warner also left the door slightly ajar for a potential return. He mentioned the possibility of coming out of retirement if Australia required a top-order batter for the Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan in 2025. “My eyes are definitely on the upcoming Champions Trophy. The next two years are crucial for me to maintain top form, and if I’m selected, I’ll be fully committed to giving my all,” he confirmed.
Warner’s World Cup performance showcased his enduring prowess, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer for Australia. In 11 matches, he amassed 535 runs at an impressive average of 48.63 and a strike rate of 108.29, including two centuries and one fifty. His standout innings of 163 against Pakistan in Bangalore underscored his impact on the world stage. Over the span of 161 ODIs, Warner carved a distinguished career, accumulating 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 and a formidable strike rate of 97.26.
His ODI debut against South Africa in January 2009 marked the commencement of a stellar journey, where he etched his name as the sixth-highest run scorer for Australia, following the likes of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Michael Clarke, and Steve Waugh. As the cricketing world bids farewell to Warner’s impactful ODI career, the upcoming Test match against Pakistan becomes a poignant chapter in the veteran’s illustrious cricketing odyssey. The SCG is set to witness the culmination of a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on Australian cricket.