Home
On January 1, Australian cricket stalwart David Warner announced his decision to retire from One Day International (ODI) cricket. This revelation came just two days before he was set to play his final Test match against Pakistan at the renowned Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp
Warner, reflecting on his illustrious career, mentioned that the idea of retiring from the 50-over format had been on his mind since the 2023 World Cup, where Australia emerged victorious. His decision is influenced by a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly 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, get through that and winning that in India is a massive achievement," Warner was quoted as saying in a press conference in Sydney.
Interestingly, Warner left the door slightly ajar for a potential return, stating that he would consider coming out of retirement for the Champions Trophy in 2025 if Australia found themselves in need of a top-order batsman. This conditional statement highlights Warner's commitment and readiness to serve Australian cricket if the need arises.
"I know there's a Champions Trophy coming up and if I'm playing decent cricket still in two years' time, and they need someone, I'm going to be available," he added.
Warner's performance in the World Cup was nothing short of remarkable, leading him to be the top run-scorer for Australia. In the tournament's 11 matches, the left-handed opener amassed a total of 535 runs, boasting an average of 48.63 and a striking rate of 108.29. His record includes two centuries and one half-century, with his highest score of 163 coming against Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.
Throughout his ODI career, Warner has played a pivotal role in Australia's cricketing success. In his 161 ODI matches, he has scored 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 and a strike rate of 97.26. His record features 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries. Warner's ODI journey began in January 2009 against South Africa in Hobart, and he concludes it as Australia's sixth-highest run-scorer in the format, following cricket legends like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Mark Waugh, Michael Clarke, and Steve Waugh.
MORE ON SPOPRTS TAK:
'He's going to be the next sensation for India for years to come': Nasser Hussain lauds young Indian star and it's not Yashasvi Jaiswal
‘...be more creative’: Allan Donald cautions Indian bowlers ahead of Cape Town Test vs South Africa
