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Ahead of his anticipated retirement from Test cricket, Australian opener David Warner has received high praise from ex-captain Greg Chappell. Warner, set to bid adieu to the Test format post the Pakistan Test series, may play his final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, a venue that holds personal significance for him.
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In an article for the Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell lauded Warner, ranking him as the second most explosive opener of the modern era, trailing only behind India's Virender Sehwag. Warner's Test career is marked by impressive statistics, with a total of 8695 runs scored across 111 matches, and an impressive strike rate of 70.3.
"David will never live down the 'Sandpaper Gate' incident. That scar on Australian cricket needs to be owned by a lot more people than Warner and Bancroft. Warner's role in the success of Australian cricket during his time cannot be underestimated. In the modern era, only Virender Sehwag has been more damaging than Warner as an opener." Chappell said in his column at the Sydney Morning Herald.
"The impact of a destructive opener can never be overestimated, and I strongly believe that the selectors must look for someone with similar abilities to replace Warner or risk giving away the unique advantage that Australia has enjoyed for the past decade," he further added.
Warner kicked off the series against Pakistan with a remarkable 164, a score that significantly contributed to Australia's advantageous position in the game. Despite a more subdued performance in the second Test, expectations are high for Warner to conclude his Test journey on a high note in Sydney, his home ground.
The build-up to Warner's final Test series was not without controversy, notably involving former teammate Mitchell Johnson. Johnson had criticized Cricket Australia for allowing Warner a farewell Test without a public apology for his role in the Sandpaper Gate scandal. Chappell, however, has a different perspective, emphasizing Warner's significant contributions to Australian cricket and advocating for a respectful and deserving send-off for the accomplished opener.
"I know how hard it is to do what he has done through 111 Tests, so I hope that David's harshest critics acknowledge his talent and contribution and forgive his human frailties. I hope Sydney farewells David Warner fondly next week. Whatever one thinks of him, David Warner has been fantastic for Australian cricket," Chappell wrote.
"The passion, energy, professionalism and competitiveness that he has brought to every contest have been unmatched. He must accept that he has allowed himself to be portrayed in a certain manner," concluded the former India coach.
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