'Huge Fighter, Went Through Controversies' - RCB Legend Lauds David Warner
Warner played his last Test at home in SCG (AP Photo)
AB de Villiers paid a fitting tribute to Australia's veteran opener David Warner as he retired from Test cricket with the conclusion of the New Year's Test against Pakistan in Sydney on Saturday (January 6).
The Proteas batting legend lauded his former Delhi Capitals (DC) teammate in the IPL for being a "huge fighter", who managed to overcome multiple career obstacles and controversies and forged a long 112-Test stint for his country.
Warner played an explosive knock of 57 in the final innings at the iconic SCG to help Australia seal the Test and the 3-0 series whitewash for the hosts. The innings somewhere summed up the career of the extravagant left-hander, who made his 8,786 runs at a strike rate above 70.
De Villiers Lauds David Warner After Test Retirement
The 37-year-old batter's CV also featured 26 hundreds and 37 half-centuries as he finished with an average of 44.59 in a career that had a deep impact on Australia's fortunes in the longest format.
De Villiers, however, chose to focus on Warner's steadfast attitude and resilient nature for overcoming multiple controversies and accusations of being a brash individual on and off the cricket field.
"I had played with David Warner at the Delhi Daredevils. He was a fantastic player right from the word go and he has put up his hand for one of the best all-round cricketers of all time," De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
"Went through a lot of controversies as well but always found a way to come back. He is a huge fighter."
There were two major controversies from which Warner bounced back to play for Australia: One, included him indulging in an ugly altercation with England great Joe Root on the 2013 Ashes trip and the other, the 2018 Cape Town ball-tampering saga. On both occasions, the cricketer was suspended from international duties.
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