In a move that stirred the cricketing realm, the dynamic Australian opener, David Warner, officially concluded his One-Day International (ODI) career on Monday.
This decision, however, arrives just before his grand farewell Test against Pakistan this week. The 37-year-old cricket maestro, set to pad up for his 112th and final Test in his hometown Sydney on Wednesday, boasts a remarkable record of 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58, including 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries.
Speaking at a press conference held at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Warner also disclosed his retirement from ODIs. His ODI journey began in 2009, and he played a pivotal role in Australia’s World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023. Warner expressed his desire to give back to his family and emphasised the monumental achievement of winning the 2023 World Cup in India.
In his own words, Warner stated, “I’ll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (Twenty20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit.” Notably, he hinted at a potential return for the 2025 Champions Trophy, asserting, “If I’m playing decent cricket in two years’ time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available.”
Warner’s ODI curtain call comes after an illustrious career of 161 matches, amassing 6,932 runs at an average of 45.30, with 22 centuries. Among Australians, only Ricky Ponting has scored more one-day tons. Notably, Warner will continue to be a force in the T20 format, setting his sights on the 2024 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States.
His decision to step away from ODIs leaves a void in the Australian squad, necessitating the identification of a new opener for the upcoming series against the West Indies in February. Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley acknowledged Warner’s phenomenal Test career, describing it as “amazing” and expressing gratitude for his significant contributions.
