'Incredibly Grateful..'- David Warner Breaks Down During Farewell Speech

image-lr1per1l David Warner got emotional during his farewell speech.(x.com)

In a fitting farewell to his Test career, Australian opener David Warner played a swashbuckling knock of 57 against Pakistan in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 37-year-old announced his retirement before the series, and his final innings was met with a standing ovation from the home crowd.

Australia secured a comprehensive 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan, with Warner and Marnus Labuschagne's stellar performances guiding them to an eight-wicket victory in the final match.

Warner, reflecting on the team's success, expressed his joy, saying,

 "It's pretty much a dream come true to win 3-0 and cap off what has been a great 18 months to two years for the Australian team."

He acknowledged the hard work of his teammates, stating, 

"I'm just proud to be with a bunch of great cricketers. These guys put in an incredible amount of work."

The left-handed batter showcased his brilliance throughout the series, scoring 164 and 0 in the first match, followed by 38 and 6 in the second, and contributing crucial runs of 34 and 57 in the third. Warner's remarkable performances played a pivotal role in Australia's success against Pakistan.

In a post-match presentation at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Warner expressed gratitude to the fans, stating, 

"To come here in front of my home crowd and I am incredibly grateful for the support they have given to the team and me over the last ten years of my career."

Reflecting on his final Test innings, Warner shared,

"I'm happy and truly proud. Playing in the entertainment business, I try to bring joy by showcasing what I do every time. I started with T20s, came here, and tried to adapt. I played my shots, tried to play outside my comfort zone, and succeeded in contributing to the team's victory, which is a great achievement."

Warner also extended his appreciation to his family for their unwavering support throughout his career. He credited his parents and brother Steve for their role in his upbringing and acknowledged his wife, Candice, saying, 

"You mean a lot to me, and I won't hold back because I might get too emotional. I love you all."

Looking ahead, Warner encouraged young cricketers, saying, 

"Keep working hard and play the red-ball game, which is the pinnacle of our sport. It's a fascinating and entertaining game. Work hard and play the game with the red ball that is both entertaining and engaging. Thank you, everyone."

As Warner bids adieu to Test cricket, his impactful career leaves a lasting legacy. The Australian team, having secured victories in the World Test Championship, drawn the Ashes series, and triumphed in the World Cup, stands as a testament to the team's resilience and determination.