David Warner Announces Retirement From ODIs

image-lqud8skgDavid Warner (Twitter)

David Warner has called it quits in One-Day Internationals ahead of his final appearance at the Test level via the traditional New Year's Test against Pakistan, starting January 3. The experienced cricketer announced his decision on Sunday, stating that the move is based on discussions with his young family. 

"I’ve got to give back to the family. That (ODI retirement) was something I had said through the World Cup, get through that and winning that in India is a massive achievement," Warner said during a press conference leading into the SCG clash versus Pakistan. 

Speculations had been rife on Warner's fate in the 50-over version ever since Australia's victory in the final of the ICC World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad in November. 

The 37-year-old, who was always unlikely to play the next edition of the quadrennial event in 2027, was expected to bid farewell to the format but delayed his decision until this week. 


Warner Quits ODIs Ahead Of New Year's Test 

One of the leading heroes of Australia's remarkable sixth World Cup victory on Indian shores with a whopping 535 runs in 11 innings, Warner was anticipated to be rested for the forthcoming white-ball leg of the series against the West Indies. 

However, the veteran has finally given clarity on where he stands with his ODI career and has made a futuristic decision based on his wish to devote more time to his wife Candice and their three daughters, Ivy, Isla, and Indi.

However, Warner said he wouldn't completely rule out a comeback if the selectors and the management came calling in search of an experienced opener for the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. 

"I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up and if I’m playing decent cricket still in two years’ time, and they need someone, I’m going to be available," he said, even as Australia have historically refrained from such choices.

The explosive opener will be playing only T20Is for Australia after his final Test at the SCG in the New Year's week, with June's ICC T20 World Cup 2024 emerging as the cricketer's likely end post in the national colours. 

Warner concludes his One-Day International career with 6,932 runs in 161 matches at an average of 45.30 and a strike rate of 97.26, including 22 centuries. He was part of Australia's World Cup-winning sides in 2015 and 2023 editions of the tournament.