David Warner is aiming to bid farewell to Test cricket on his home ground at the SCG next year during the New Year’s Test against Pakistan. This match will mark a significant milestone as he gradually exits the international game, with Warner also hoping to play his final game for Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
However, Warner’s participation in the Sydney Test is not assured due to his recent struggles in Test cricket. Furthermore, the packed cricket schedule leading up to that point, particularly for a player involved in all formats, adds further complexity. Consequently, it is possible that the upcoming Ashes series could be Warner’s final Test away from home.
David Warner is preparing for a demanding schedule that could see him playing up to six Tests within eight weeks. This includes the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India, followed closely by the Ashes series. Warner’s recent Test performances have been below par, further complicated by an elbow fracture that sidelined him during the latter part of Australia’s Test series in India.
Expressing his thoughts ahead of the WTC final, Warner stated, “I have always maintained that the 2024 T20 World Cup will be my last game, but I feel a sense of responsibility towards myself and my family.” He added, “If I can perform well here and continue playing in Australia, I can confidently say that I won’t be participating in the West Indies Test series. If I manage to get through this period and make it to the Pakistan series, then that will likely be the end of my Test career.”
Land mark achieved by Warner:
During last summer’s Test against South Africa at the MCG, David Warner celebrated his 100th Test appearance, making a memorable impact in the Boxing Day Test with a double-century. Former cricketer Ricky Ponting suggested that this milestone provided an ideal opportunity for Warner to bid farewell to Test cricket.
However, Warner’s performance has faced challenges in recent times. His last century was achieved in January 2020, and since the beginning of 2022, his batting average has been a concern, averaging 26 with only two fifties and one century in his last 24 innings. Warner expressed his perspective by saying, “I have always approached every game as if it could be my last.
That’s my style of cricket. I enjoy being part of the team, contributing as an energetic presence within the group. I will continue to work tirelessly to achieve my goals.” The extensive cricket schedule planned by Cricket Australia will also play a role in determining the extent of Warner’s future involvement.
Following the English summer, Australia has commitments for limited-overs matches in South Africa and India, followed by the 50-over World Cup. Immediately after the tournament, they will engage in a T20I series against India.
David Warner hopes to sign off from Tests against Pakistan at the SCG in January, and is planning to end his international career at the 2024 T20 World Cup 🇦🇺
👉 https://t.co/e2AlOVsaYk pic.twitter.com/6CWJuVOXKJ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 3, 2023
Reflecting on the challenging schedule ahead, David Warner acknowledged the initial apprehension. He highlighted the uncertainties surrounding Test matches preceding various series, such as the World Cup and the forthcoming contests against South Africa.
The cricketing calendar also includes matches in India following the World Cup, leading into a demanding home summer. Given the strenuous nature of the upcoming fixtures, Warner emphasized the importance of the senior players stepping up to the plate. He stressed the need for the experienced individuals to contribute significantly by taking wickets and scoring runs to ensure the team’s success.
Warner expressed confidence that if they can fulfill these responsibilities, the team will be well-equipped to handle whatever challenges lie ahead in the future. The primary focus lies on the ongoing World Test Championship, the highly anticipated Ashes series, and the subsequent World Cup, which holds paramount significance.
Focusing T20 World Cup:
If David Warner manages to reach his desired Test farewell, it will pave the way for his preparation for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA in the middle of the following year. This would potentially involve him seeking various franchise deals starting from February onwards.
Warner expressed his aspirations, stating, “I have a strong desire to participate in the 2024 World Cup, which is something I keep in mind. However, there is a considerable amount of cricket to be played before that. After February, there might be a break, and I will need to focus on playing in the IPL and potentially other franchise leagues to regain my rhythm before the World Cup in June. There will still be plenty of cricket to keep me engaged.”