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Updated 10:27 IST, December 31st 2023

‘Only Virender Sehwag has been more damaging than Warner…’Former Australian captain on David Warner

Australia leads 2-0 in the Test series against Pakistan. David Warner retires after the Sydney Test. The former Australian captain praises Warner's impact.

Reported by: Aryan Suraj Chadha
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Virender Sehwag and David Warner
Virender Sehwag and David Warner | Image: AP

Australia leads Pakistan 2-0 in the third test match, which will take place in Sydney from January 3–7, 2024. Australia has already secured the series, so the stage is set for an exciting encounter. Strong resistance is expected from the Australian team, which is led by captain Pat Cummins and includes veterans like David Warner and Steve Smith. In this exciting time conclusion, anticipate furious clashes and amazing feats of cricket skill as the teams square off at the storied Sydney Cricket Ground.

3 things you need to know 

  • David Warner will retire from Test cricket after the Australia vs Pakistan series 
  • Australia leads the series by 2-0 
  • The 3rd and final Test will start on January 3rd 2024

Also Read: Bellingham plays cricket, ex-captain impressed

 Greg Chappell made a huge statement regarding David Warner 

Former Australia captain Greg Chappell expressed gratitude to opener David Warner before his last Test match. Warner is set to retire from Test cricket after the Pakistan Test series and the 3rd and final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the home ground of the Australia opener.

In a column for the Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell lauded David Warner as the second-most dangerous opener in modern times, after only India's Virender Sehwag. Warner's successful Test career includes 8695 runs from 111 matches with a strike rate of 70.3. As Warner's Test career comes to an end, Chappell's remarks highlight the impact and dynamism the Australian opener brought to the game, leaving an unforgettable stamp on the cricketing globe. Greg Chappell said:  

"David will never live down the 'Sandpaper Gate' incident. That scar on Australian cricket needs to be owned by a lot more people than Warner and Bancroft. Warner’s role in the success of Australian cricket during his time cannot be underestimated. In the modern era, only Virender Sehwag has been more damaging than Warner as an opener." 

“The impact of a destructive opener can never be overestimated, and I strongly believe that the selectors must look for someone with similar abilities to replace Warner or risk giving away the unique advantage that Australia has enjoyed for the past decade,”

“I know how hard it is to do what he has done through 111 Tests, so I hope that David’s harshest critics acknowledge his talent and contribution and forgive his human frailties. I hope Sydney farewells David Warner fondly next week. Whatever one thinks of him, David Warner has been fantastic for Australian cricket,”

"The passion, energy, professionalism and competitiveness that he has brought to every contest have been unmatched. He must accept that he has allowed himself to be portrayed in a certain manner," 

Also Read: Gerald Coetzee forced out of the 2nd Test vs India

Warner opened the series against Pakistan with a stunning 164, putting Australia in a strong position to win. Following a more muted second Test, David Warner is ready to end his Test career with an explosive finish in his homeland, especially following his public spat with Mitchell Johnson.

Johnson openly criticized Cricket Australia for agreeing to Warner's request for a farewell Test in the lead-up to the series, pointing out that Warner had not officially apologised for his participation in the Sandpaper Gate issue. Chappell, on the other hand, believes that Warner's major services to the country deserve a sincere goodbye, emphasizing the veteran batter's rightful place in Australian cricket history. As a result, the series against Pakistan has extra significance for Warner, who hopes to create a memorable impression in his last Test match in Sydney. 

Published 10:27 IST, December 31st 2023