David Warner retirement: When will Australian batsman leave Test cricket?
David Warner has announced his intention to retire from Test cricket this summer.
The 36-year-old has been a key member of the Australia side since 2011 but has now expressed his desire to leave the format.
He is expected to represent his country in the upcoming Test World Cup final against India but a string of disappointing performances means his place is no longer secure.
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When will David Warner complete his last test for Australia?
Warner hopes his final Test appearance for Australia will come at the Sydney clash with Pakistan early next year.
This game is scheduled for January 3rd, 2024 – more than six months from now.
He has already ruled out participation in the following series against West Indies with the intention of saying goodbye in his home state.
“I can definitely say I’m not going to play that West Indies series,” Warner told reporters in Beckenham.
“If I can get through this (WTC Finals and Ashes campaign) and make it to the Pakistan series, I will definitely make it.
“I always played every game like it was my last. That’s my style of cricket.”
“I’m just working as hard as I can to get there.
“This test starts against India and I’m just looking forward to that challenge and then the challenge that comes against England.”
However, the retirement from Test cricket does not spell Warner’s complete end as the Australian plans to continue playing short-form cricket.
As a potential swan song, he is aiming for the 2024 T20 World Championships in the West Indies and the USA.
“You have to get runs. I always said that the World Cup (2024) would probably be my last game,” he added.
“I probably owe it to myself and my family – if I can get runs here and keep playing in Australia – I can definitely say I won’t be playing this West Indies series.”
Why is David Warner retiring?
There’s no denying that age isn’t on Warner’s side.
Of course, at the age of 36, questions were raised about his future at the baggy green.
He has scored just one Century in 32 Test innings since January 2020, with a series of early layoffs leading to debate over his selection.
His emotional double century against South Africa late last year was a strong response from those critics and Warner has maintained his presence as the opener ever since.
The Sydney-born hitter’s desire to spend more time with his young family has likely factored into his retirement plans as well.
If Warner has played every scheduled Test before his scheduled departure from SCG, he will be Australia’s tenth-best Test player with 112 appearances.
When is David Warner playing next?
Warner is expected to open batting side for Australia in the upcoming Test World Cup final against India.
The game will take place from June 7th to 11th, with June 12th designated as a reserve day.
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It will be the first friendly for both groups of players since this year’s Border Gavaskar Trophy series in India.
The home team played in February and March and retained the trophy with a 2-1 series win.