Australia's batting juggernaut David Warner was bestowed a unique farewell gift from the Pakistan team, with captain Shan Masood handing over a Babar Azam jersey signed by the entire team as the star opener bid adieu to Test cricket on January 6.
Warner concluded his Test career with an impressive final dance at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), his home ground, which came handy in Australia's emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the third Test. With this Australia swept the three-match Test series 3-0. Born on October 27, 1986, in Paddington, Australia, Warner's illustrious Test career which was decorated with 112 matches. In 112 Tests, Warner amassed 8,786 runs at an average of 44.60, hitting 26 centuries and 37 fifties. Renowned for his dynamic and aggressive approach at the crease, Warner maintained a strike rate of 70.20. He was equally celebrated for his outstanding slip fielding skills, evidenced by his 91 catches throughout his career.
In his final Test innings against Pakistan, Warner notched an impressive 57 runs to draw curtain on his glittery career on a high. Though he was later dismissed by Sajid Khan after his 75-ball knock but Warner's efforts were instrumental in Australia's clean sweep over Pakistan.
As Australia were just 11 runs shy of sealing their third straight win in the three-match Test series, Warner's innings ended with an lbw dismissal by Sajid. He received a rousing ovation from the SCG audience as he acknowledged them while departing.
Meanwhile during the post-match presentation, Pakistan skipper Masood invited Warner to the stage and presented him with Babar Azam's jersey signed by the entire Pakistan team. The Pakistan captain expressed gratitude for Warner's contributions to cricket and extended his best wishes for his future endeavors.
Here's the video…
"I want to give a token of appreciation and a bit of gift for David Warner. Can you please come on the stage. Thank You So Much. We as a team thought of giving you Babar Azam shirt with signatures of all players and all the best for all the future endeavors," said Masood.
A visibly moved Warner expressed his feelings after the match, stating that it was a dream come true for him. He was elated as the Australian team secured a 3-0 series win, continuing their impressive streak which included victories in the World Test Championship, the ODI World Cup, and retaining the Ashes in England.
"It's pretty much a dream come true. You win 3-0, cap off what's been a great 18 months to 2 years for the Australian cricket team. World Test Championship win, an Ashes series draw and then the World Cup. To come here and finish 3-0 is an outstanding achievement," Warner said in the post-match presentation.
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