Home
Batting juggernaut David Warner concluded his Test cricket career as Australia triumphed in the third and final Test match in Sydney on Saturday, January 6, securing an eight-wicket victory and a series sweep against Pakistan. The Australian team impressively chased down a target of 120 in less than 27 overs. In his last Test innings, Warner scored 57 runs, finishing the series with a total of 299 runs, making him the series' second-highest run-scorer. In his Test career, Warner amassed 8,786 runs in 112 Test matches, including 26 centuries and 37 half-centuries.
Australian captain Pat Cummins finished the series with an impressive 19 wickets, marking a victorious start to 2024. His performance featured an average of 12.00 across the three Test matches. Aamer Jamal ended the series with 18 wickets, followed by Nathan Lyon with 13 and Mitchell Starc with 12.
Warner was eventually dismissed by off-spinner Sajid Khan, who stepped in for Shaheen Shah Afridi in the Pakistan team for the Sydney Test. Cummins praised Warner for his significant contributions to Australian Test cricket, acknowledging that he will be a challenging player to replace in the team lineup.
The Australian cricket strategy team is on the hunt for the perfect candidate to fill David Warner's shoes as an opener. Potential replacements being considered include Travis Head, Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, and even Steve Smith. With the Test series concluded, the coach and captain are set to engage in thorough discussions to decide on Warner's successor.
Earlier this week, Warner also declared his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs). However, he hasn't closed the door on a possible return, expressing openness to participate in the Champions Trophy 2025, which could see him making a comeback to ODI cricket.
Meanwhile in the post-match presentation Cummins made a big statement on Warner's replacement.
“I heard it’s Davey’s last Test match apparently. It’s going to be hard to replace Davey. He’s basically played every game for the last dozen years. His huge personality, he really sets the game up with the way he way he plays every time he walk out. He’s going to be huge to replace. We’ll enjoy for the next day or so while we still got him around. A week at home before we get down to Adelaide. A good time to reflect on this series but also the year that’s been and obviously on Davey’s career” said Cummins in the post-match presentation.
Following their series victory in Sydney, Australia has overtaken India to claim the top spot on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. They have achieved victories in five out of their eight Test matches, accumulating a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 56.25. India currently holds the second position with 54.15 PCT points, while South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh are ranked third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Warner is set to be next seen in action as the captain of the Dubai Capitals in the ILT20 2024, which is scheduled to commence on January 19 in the United Arab Emirates.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
End of an Era: David Warner ends illustrious Test career with brisk fifty in Australia's win, walks off SCG amid thunderous applause
AUS vs PAK: Australia whitewash Pakistan with robust eight-wicket win in 3rd Test as David Warner notches perfect fifty in last dance
MS Dhoni files criminal case against ex-business associates, claims duping of Rs 15 crore
Big blow to India despite bulldozing South Africa in 3rd Test within two days, toppled from throne
