The pocket-size dynamite, David Warner played his final competitive international game in Australia yesterday and capped off the match with a sensational 49 ball 81 runs during the Aussies’ unsuccessful chase of 221 runs against the West Indies in the series concluding 3rd T20I at the Optus Stadium in Adelaide.
Following his last appearance in National Colors Down Under, Warner claimed that he was well and truly done before affirming that it was time for the youngsters to take over.
Despite David Warner’s tremendous effort, Australia under the captaincy of Mitchell Marsh, lost by 37 runs but they claimed the 3-match T20 series by a margin of 2-1. The Aussies were coming on the back of a 3-0 whitewash of the West Indies in the ODI series after a 1-1 draw in the 2-match Test series.
Now the Australians will shift their focus to their upcoming tour of New Zealand which starts exactly in a week. A full-strength squad as well as a playing XI will be on display for the series which includes 3 T20Is and 2 Tests of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
While David Warner won’t be a part of the Test team as he retired from the format last month, the 37-year-old will feature in the T20s scheduled to take place on the 21st, 23rd, and 25th February at Wellington and Auckland. He will enter the series with form and rhythm on his side.
The Southpaw was adjudged as man of the series for his two 50+ scores in the T20 series against West Indies. Warner had scores of 70, 22, and 81 in Brisbane and Adelaide and he was easily the main reason why the Baggy Greens completed back-to-back white ball series wins.
After the match ended, David Warner, while speaking in a match presentation, revealed that it was his final outing on home soil and that now it was time for the upcoming generation to take over from him and keep the Australian flag on top wherever they go, something he did so well in his illustrious career.
“I’m well and truly done. It’s time for the youngsters to come through and showcase their talents. We’ve got extreme talent here and you’ve got a lot of the guys here from Perth that are in this team at the moment. We’re in good stead for the future.” – Warner told Adam Gilchrist via Fox Sports.
“Freshening Up And Spending Some Time With The Girls”, Says David Warner On His Post Retirement Plans
When asked about his plans after retirement, David Warner responded that he would take his time to freshen up and spend quality time with his family. He mentioned that he would be looking after their daughter’s schooling and sporting activities and just lying on his bed. But he still has about 4-5 months before doing so.
After the New Zealand series, Warner will be heading to New Delhi to join the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2024 before heading back to Australia and leaving for the USA and West Indies for the 2024 T20 WC.
“Freshening up and spending some time with the girls. Not sure that’s going to freshen me up but it’ll be great to spend some time with them and work on their schooling and sport and just be home in my bed.” – David Warner concluded.