New Delhi: David Warner took to Instagram to pen a heartfelt note as he confirmed his retirement from international cricket. The Australian opener said his international career is a ‘closed chapter’ now, however, he has kept the door ajar to play in the Champions Trophy 2025. Warner made his final appearance for Australia in their Super Eight clash against India in the T20 World Cup 2024.
The opening batter had earlier confirmed the T20 World Cup will be his final tournament for Australia. Warner had announced his retirement from ODIs after the 2023 ODI World Cup last year. Australia defeated India in the final to clinch the elusive trophy in what was a fitting farewell for Warner, who has been one of the greatest servants of Australian cricket.
He played his last Test match against Pakistan in January this year and his last T20I appearance was against India in the T20 World Cup 2024. Sharing his thoughts for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024 where Australia failed to go the distance, Warner said he will continue to play franchise cricket and is open to making a comeback for Australia if he is selected for the Champions Trophy 2025.
“I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Australia in the Champions trophy if selected,” Warner wrote on Instagram.
Warner had earlier expressed his desire to play in the Champions Trophy 2025 while announcing his retirement from Tests and ODIs in January this year. The left-hander had said he would be open to playing for Australia if called upon by the selectors. The Champions Trophy is scheduled to be played in Pakistan in February-March next year.
Hope I have entertained you: David Warner
Warner expressed gratitude for being able to represent Australia at the highest level for a long period and thanked the fans for their support. One of the best opening batters of the current generation, Warner was a force to reckon with for Australia across all formats.
He amassed 8,786 runs in 112 Tests at an average of 44.59, including 26 centuries and 37 fifties. In ODIs, he notched up 6,932 runs in 161 matches averaging 45.30 with 22 centuries and 33 fifties. He was also a prolific run-getter in T20Is for Australia and finished with 3,277 runs from 110 matches at an average of 33.43 and a strike rate of over 142.
“Chapter closed!! It’s been an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level for such a long period. Australia was my team. The majority of my career was at the international level. It’s been an honour to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight,” Warner wrote in an Instagram post on Monday. I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Australia in the Champions trophy if selected,” Warner wrote.
“For all the cricket fans out there, I truly hope I have entertained you and changed cricket, especially tests, in a way where we scored a bit faster than others. We cannot do what we love without the fans, so thanks. I want to say thanks to everyone out there who has made this possible. My wife and my girls, who sacrificed so much, thank you for all your support. No person will ever know what we’ve been through,” he added.
Warner is likely to be replaced by young Jake Fraser-McGurk, whom he announced as his successor after the T20 World Cup 2024. McGurk grabbed the spotlight after taking IPL 2024 by storm while playing for Delhi Capitals. McGurk showcased his hitting prowess in the IPL and impressed with his sensational stroke play. McGurk finished IPL 2024 with 330 runs at a stunning strike rate of 234.04 and was in contention to replace Warner in the T20 World Cup.
David Warner confirmed his retirement from international cricket but has kept the door open for his return for Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 if he is selected. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
