David Warner yet again proved his batting prowess, this time in his final international Test series, scoring 164 in the first innings to help Australia bulldoze Pakistan by 360 runs in Perth on Sunday, December 17.
Warner's 26th Test century propelled Australia to a substantial total of 487 in their first innings during the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. Pakistan struggled in response, getting bowled out for 271 and 89 in their two innings, leading to Australia's substantial win.
Several Australian players remained the architect of Australia's stunning win over Pakistan. Nathan Lyon notched his 500th Test wicket, Warner hit his 26th Test century, and Mitchell Marsh was named Player of the Match for his scores of 90 and 63, in addition to taking a wicket in the first innings. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon each took three wickets in the second innings, while Lyon added two more and captain Pat Cummins claimed one.
In the meantime, former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy shared his views on Warner, who marked his 110th Test appearance in Perth. Healy noted that given Warner's current form and fitness, he could potentially continue playing Test cricket for another year revoking his retirement call.
“That 160 he made in the first innings won us a Test in Perth. “It wasn’t easy. I looked at it from afar on Thursday afternoon and I said, ‘Oh, jeez, I wouldn’t like to be in Pakistan’, they are going to feel about a foot shorter than they are tomorrow afternoon not knowing how difficult the conditions were” Healy said on SEN Breakfast.
Healy then went on to praise the star southpaw for scoring runs under challenging conditions. He observed that the Pakistani bowlers could have been more strategic, pointing out their mistake of bowling too short and failing to target the right areas, especially when Warner was freshly at the crease.
“I like the way Michael Slater made tough second innings batting conditions look. Mark Waugh could also make a mockery out of tough conditions, but David Warner was outstanding” Healy added further.
He further said that given his durability and his fitness as a cricketer, he should consider playing one more year of Test cricket at least.
“What I love about him is his durability. I just love the way that he kept going and his feet moved. This is the bit I agree about Mitchell Johnson and what he said about, Why have a swansong, your last three years haven’t been very good and now you’re picking the way you can retire. But if he bats like that, he can go another year for mine until he doesn’t want to play anymore” Healy concluded.
Warner also played an instrumental role in Australia's World Cup victory, making substantial contributions throughout the tournament. The left-hander amassed 535 runs across 11 matches, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 108.30. His performance included two centuries and two half-centuries. Following this success, Warner was given a rest during the T20I series against India prior to the Test series against Pakistan.
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