Updated 3 January 2024 at 12:17 IST

'He doesn't want to play Tests anymore': Virender Sehwag makes his observations clear on star player

Virender Sehwag opposes David Warner's retirement from Tests, lauding his exceptional ability and foreseeing his irreplaceable impact on Australian cricket.

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Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag | Image: PTI

 The ongoing third Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 3–7 promises to be a thrilling encounter. With Australia leading the series 2-0, they aim to secure a clean sweep while Pakistan seeks to restore their pride with a victory. Australia's dominant performances in the previous matches have bolstered their confidence for another triumph. The conclusion of the series at the SCG will mark an emotional moment for cricket fans, as David Warner recently declared his retirement from Test and ODI formats following his success in the ICC ODI World Cup final for Australia.  

3 things you need to know 

  • Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test will be David Warner’s last Test match for Australia 
  • SCG is David Warner’s home ground 
  • David Warner has also announced his retirement from ODI cricket 

Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar highly recommends star bowler for IND vs SA 2nd Test

Virender Sehwag made a huge remark on David Warner’s retirement 

Virender Sehwag believes that Australian player David Warner still has enough ability to flourish in Test cricket and should not retire after the present Sydney Test against Pakistan. The former Indian opener, who was noted for recognising Warner's brilliance early on, speculated that Warner's choice was driven more by personal and family factors than a deterioration in abilities.

In an interview with Cricbuzz, Sehwag expressed his opinions on the impact of age-related reflex slowing on players like himself and Warner, who rely on striking the ball and hand-eye coordination. Such concerns can be handled, according to Sehwag, especially for someone as physically fit as Warner. Virender Sehwag said: 

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"I personally don't think he should retire from Tests based on the way he's batting. But as you age and get to 35-36, you start thinking about off-field matters, like your family and your kids. I can't see any issue with his reflexes or fitness owing to age. I think he's mentally decided that he doesn't want to play Tests anymore. I'm sure he will continue playing T20 cricket for a long time to come," 

"I don't think there will be another David Warner for Australia. The fact that he's made 26 Test tons and has nearly 9000 runs after batting in the style that he has is extraordinary. How do you find someone else to do that? You might find someone who could pull it off over a handful of Tests but to do that over a 100 Tests is something else," 

Also Read: IND vs SA 2nd Test Weather Report: Will rain play spoilsport?

After making his Test debut 13 years back, the player in question will leave the format with a remarkable record of over 8,600 runs, including 26 hundred and 56 half-centuries from 112 games. According to Virender Sehwag, Australia would face a difficult time in finding a suitable substitute for the seasoned player.

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Despite doubts about his fitness before the Pakistan series, the 37-year-old silenced his detractors with an outstanding effort in the first Test. He smashed 164 runs, ensuring that he ends his Test career on his own terms in the Sydney match. Sehwag's evaluation emphasises the player's enormous influence and perseverance, arguing for his substantial contribution to Australian Test cricket.

Published By : Aryan Suraj Chadha

Published On: 3 January 2024 at 11:40 IST