'Australia Will Struggle...' Ricky Ponting On David Warner's Retirement

David Warner played his last game for AUS vs IND (AP Photo)David Warner played his last game for AUS vs IND (AP Photo)

Australia's legendary captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to retired opener David Warner for his "unbelievable" career across all three formats and said it would be difficult to find someone Warner's replacement because of his impact on Australian cricket.

Warner's 15-year-old international career came to an end after Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in Kingstown, eliminating former champions Australia from the T20 World Cup at the Super 8 phase.

"(I) put my arm around him. I said, ‘...just take a moment tonight to sit back by yourself and reflect on what’s been an unbelievable career across all three formats for Australia'," Ponting said during the ICC’s Digital Daily show. 

"We know he retired in the summer from test cricket, but you’ll struggle to find a guy that’s had as big an impact on all three forms in Australian cricket than David Warner has."

The 37-year-old DC opener had played under Ponting's captaincy and later was coached by him as part of the Indian Premier League franchise Delhi Capitals.

"I’ve been able to play with him, I’ve been able to coach him in the IPL the last couple of years, and I really enjoy his company. So, he should be very proud of what he’s done," Ponting said.

On Monday, Australia lost to a closely-fought game to India by 24 runs in their final Super 8 match in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, before Afghanistan's victory over Bangladesh knocked them out of the tournament. 

Although Warner might be retired from all international formats now, he had stated that he will consider returning to the Aussie ODI fold for the Champions Trophy early next year if he continues to fare well.