Australian cricket legend David Warner has officially announced his international retirement through a heartfelt Instagram post on July 8. The 37-year-old’s career concluded on a somber note as Australia failed to make it to the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Warner’s performance in the tournament was mixed, accumulating 178 runs at an average of 29.66 and a strike rate of 139.06 across seven matches.
Despite the recent disappointments, Warner leaves behind an illustrious 15-year international career, amassing 18,995 runs and 49 centuries, second only to Ricky Ponting among Australian batsmen.
Warner shared his thoughts on Instagram:
“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 honor to be able to do this. 100+ games in all formats is my highlight.”
He expressed gratitude:
“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. 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.”
Warner’s 335 against Pakistan ranks as the 10th highest Test score ever and the second-highest by an Australian, only behind Matthew Hayden.
The left-handed opener also holds the fourth and fifth-highest scores for Australia in ODIs, with 179 against Pakistan and 178 against Afghanistan.
“Open to playing for Aus in the Champions Trophy if selected” – David Warner
Warner concluded his Instagram post by stating his intention to continue playing franchise cricket and expressing his openness to representing Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The seasoned cricketer was part of the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL season.
Warner played pivotal roles in Australia’s 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cup victories.
“I will continue to play franchise cricket for a while, and I am also open to playing for Aus in the Champions trophy if selected. To the players and staff, thanks for putting up with me. No more WhatsApp junk, your ears are now going to be free of my voice. This team has had unbelievable success the last few years and long may this continue. Pat Cummins, Andrew McDonald, and staff have got this,” Warner concluded.
Warner was the Player of the Tournament in Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, scoring 289 runs, including a brilliant 38-ball 53 in the final against New Zealand.
