David Warner Officially Announces Retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test Cricket.

David Warner Announces Retirement from ODIs After 14-Year Career in Media Address Before Final Test for Australia at the SCG

David Warner has officially declared that he is stepping away from one-day international cricket, making the announcement in anticipation of his last Test match. The experienced opener explained that the timing felt appropriate to bring his ODI career to a close, especially after Australia's success in the 2023 World Cup in India, where he played a pivotal role as the team's top run-scorer.

Warner had been considering retirement even before the tournament, and he chose to share his decision publicly during a press conference on Monday, just ahead of his final Test appearance at the SCG later this week.

The decision is something I felt extremely at ease with," mentioned the 37-year-old. Achieving victory in India, considering our starting point, was truly remarkable.

After experiencing back-to-back losses in India, our team's unity strengthened, and our success wasn't a stroke of luck or mere chance. That's why I've decided today to retire from those formats, specifically ODIs, explained the 37-year-old.

Warner concludes his ODI career as the sixth-highest run-scorer in Australian history, accumulating 6932 runs in 161 matches. His impressive record includes 22 centuries, making him the second-highest century-maker for Australia in ODIs, trailing only Ricky Ponting, who achieved 29 centuries in 105 more innings than Warner.

While bidding farewell to ODIs, Warner expressed openness to a comeback at the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan if the team requires his services. Notably, the Champions Trophy is one of the few accolades missing from Warner's collection, with Australia's last triumph in 2009 predating his consistent selection in the XI.

Looking ahead, Warner emphasized his availability for a return if he continues to play well in two years. Australia is set to defend their ODI World Cup title in South Africa in 2027.

Warner's decision to retire from ODIs aims to create more opportunities for him in franchise cricket overseas. Additionally, he intends to remain an active participant in the BBL, holding a contract with the Sydney Thunder until the end of the current season.

While Warner has been a constant presence in the IPL since 2009, his busy international schedule has kept him from participating in other leagues like the Pakistan Super League and England’s The Hundred. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, he played in one season each of the Caribbean Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League.

Warner is set to kick off his final Test match on Wednesday at his home ground, offering Australia the opportunity to secure a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan. The upcoming match in Sydney precedes the World Test Championship final and the Ashes during the Australian winter. Warner had publicly announced his intention to retire after the Sydney Test, a decision that faced criticism from some outspoken detractors who viewed it as self-indulgent.

Addressing the discussion surrounding his form, Warner stated on Monday, "There was a lot of talk about me and my form. I wanted to address it early." The 37-year-old dispelled any lingering doubts about his readiness for the SCG by scoring 164 in the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. However, Warner acknowledged that if he and opening partner Usman Khawaja had faced challenges early in the Ashes, or if Australia hadn't secured victories in the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s, the situation might have unfolded differently.

Reflecting on his decision, Warner shared, I initially mentioned Sydney as my ideal conclusion, but I had actually considered Lord’s as my last Test, especially if things didn't go well for Uzzie and me at the top of the order.

He explained further, If we were down 2-0 in the Ashes, going into that third Test and losing, I don't think continuing to play would have been the right choice. If I was struggling and we weren't winning, then the decision would have been easier. I didn't want to put the team or selectors in a position where they had to contemplate, 'Mate, it's time to move on.' It was more about me being satisfied, happy with my career.

While Warner fell short of achieving a maiden Test century in England during his fourth away Ashes, he made notable starts in the first two matches, including reaching 66 at Lord’s, marking his highest score in a Test in England in almost eight years. The opening partnership with Khawaja, exceeding 60 in three of Australia’s first four Ashes innings, contributed to Warner feeling that he had earned his farewell at the SCG.

Acknowledging the emotional aspect, Warner confessed that feelings started to stir after the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. "When I considered Lord’s as a potential ending, I didn't feel many emotions because I was content," he shared. "However, since Perth, being back in Australia, and knowing that I'm playing my final Test, it has been emotional. Scoring that 160, putting the team in a great position, really hit home when people in the streets were coming up and expressing their support. It means a lot to me."