Emotional David Warner drops second pension bomb at a press conference in the presence of wife Candice and their daughters
- Previously announced Test retirement
- Has now retired from ODI cricket
- Will continue to play T20
David Warner has made the emotional decision to retire from one-day international cricket ahead of his final Test match, announcing his decision on Monday in the presence of wife Candice and children Ivy Mae, Indy Rae and Isla Rose.
The veteran Australian opener said on Monday he felt “comfortable” when the time came to end his ODI career after Australia’s World Cup victory in India late last year.
Warner amassed 6932 runs in 161 ODI matches for Australia, including his career-best score of 179 against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval.
He also relished making his doubters ‘look stupid’ as he played a starring role in Australia’s 2023 World Cup victory in India, scoring 535 runs in the tournament, including a high score of 163.
David Warner has announced that he will also retire from ODI cricket after disrupting his Test cricket career
The opening batsman will play his final Test match for Australia against Pakistan in the New Year’s Test, weather permitting
Warner stressed that the decision would create opportunities to play franchise cricket abroad and will not rule out a comeback if Australia needs an opener for the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.
After standing in front of the media to talk about his last Test match in Sydney, he made the unexpected call to retire from ODI cricket as well.
‘It was a decision I felt very comfortable with. To win in India, where we came from, was absolutely amazing,” Warner said.
“The team, not only led by Patty but coach Andrew McDonald himself, everything is just so calm and relaxed within the team.
“We go out there, we’re adults, we back ourselves to train as best we can and then go out there and perform. There’s never any extra pressure, it’s the same: come in and do what you need to get done. We love winning.
“When we lost two games in a row in India, the bond with each other only grew stronger and it is not by chance or coincidence that we got to where we were.
“Maxi’s heroics, captaincy and the skill and execution of the way we played against India were phenomenal, and not to be ignored in the Calcutta semi-final.”
But Warner also left the door open for one last ODI hurray in two years at the Champions Trophy.
“I know the Champions Trophy is coming… if I’m playing decent cricket in two years’ time and if they need someone, I’ll be available.”
Warner arrives at his media conference with wife Candice and children Ivy Mae, Indy Rae and Isla Rose
Warner has left the door open for a Champions Trophy comeback if called upon in two years’ time
Warner is a divisive figure in the cricket world, largely due to his role in the 2018 Sandpapergate scandal, which saw him and captain Steve Smith banned for 12 months.
While the retired batsman faced a barrage of negative messages over his retirement announcement, he was hailed by many Australian cricket fans as one of the greatest of all time.
‘Congratulations on a great Test and ODI career, Australia will find it difficult to replace a Dave Warner caliber batsman in the Test and ODI arena in the future. His numbers stack up against Australia’s greatest opening batsman,” said one fan.
“Congratulations on your career David Warner, some will miss you, some won’t miss you, good luck to you and your family for the rest of your life,” another added.
“Congratulations Davey, cheers on what you did for Straya,” wrote another.
The 37-year-old will play his final Test match against Pakistan at the SCG from Wednesday.