Australian cricket star David Warner, known for his dynamic opening skills, announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday, just before his final Test match against Pakistan this week.
Warner leaves behind a remarkable career in the 50-over format, having played 161 matches and amassing 6,932 runs with an impressive average of 45.30. His 22 centuries rank him second among Australian players, behind only Ricky Ponting.
The 37-year-old will pad up in his 112th and final Test in his home city Sydney on Wednesday. At a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground, he also announced his retirement from ODIs, where he has been a fixture since his debut in 2009, helping the team win the World Cup in 2015 and 2023.
"I've got to give back to the family and also on the back of that I'm definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well," he said.
"That was something that I had said through the (2023) World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that's a massive achievement.
"So I'll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (Twenty20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit.
"I know there's a Champions Trophy coming up," he added. "If I'm playing decent cricket in two years' time and I'm around and they need someone, I'm going to be available."
While stepping away from ODIs, Warner hinted at a possible return for the 2025 Champions Trophy, if needed. This competition, returning after a six-year hiatus, in Pakistan, might undergo a format change to T20, adding an interesting twist to Warner's potential involvement.
His decision primarily focuses on family and prioritising other cricket formats, including the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024 and various T20 leagues around the world. He aims to pave the way for younger players in the national ODI team while continuing to contribute in the shorter format.
Warner's decision to depart one-dayers means Australia will need a new opener for their three-match series against the West Indies in February, which follows a two-Test series in Adelaide and Brisbane.
Warner's impact on Australian cricket extends beyond statistics. Cricket Australia lauded his "amazing Test career" and highlighted his "wonderful attacking style" that captivated audiences.
"We are all extremely grateful for his immense contribution to this form of the game," Cricket Australia chief Nick Hockley said in a statement. "David's wonderful attacking style not only played a vital role in many Australian victories, it also enthralled and entertained fans across the world and drew many to Test cricket."
Andrew McDonald, the national coach, even called him "probably our greatest ever three-format player."
However, Warner's career wasn't without controversy. The 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa remains a dark chapter, with Warner receiving a year-long ban for his involvement along with skipper Steve Smith. The third Test debacle in Cape Town saw Cameron Bancroft use sandpaper to scuff the ball before a crude attempt to conceal the evidence down his trousers.
Reflecting on his Test career, Warner said it was a "fairytale ending" to hang up his gloves in Sydney. "I would have never imagined opening the batting for New South Wales or anyone to be honest when I first started but to be here, 112 Tests I think, I still pinch myself," he said.
He added that he would like to be remembered as someone "authentic and honest" who has "gone out there and given it his all".
