Australian opener David Warner officially announced his retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket today, just days prior to his farewell Test match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting this Wednesday.
The announcement came on New Year's Day as the two-time Cricket World Cup champion decided to bid adieu to the ODI format. Throughout his career, the left-handed opener accumulated an impressive record, amassing 6,932 runs in 161 ODIs at an average of 45.30 and a formidable strike rate of 97.26.
His illustrious career includes 22 centuries and 33 fifties, with his highest score being 179 runs.
Warner, known for his prowess in global tournaments, exits with 1,527 ICC Cricket World Cup runs, averaging 56.55 and maintaining a strike rate faster than a run per ball. Only five male cricketers have outperformed him on the all-time World Cup run tally, with compatriot Ricky Ponting leading the list (1743). Warner boasts an impressive six centuries and five half-centuries in his World Cup journey.
Expressing his sentiments, Warner stated during his announcement, as quoted by ICC, “I have to prioritize my family. I had planned this ODI retirement even during the World Cup. Winning the World Cup in India was an immense achievement.”
Warner wraps up his ODI career on a high note, not only clinching the World Cup this year but also showcasing exceptional form, amassing 535 runs in 11 matches at an average of 48.63 and a striking strike rate of over 108. His performance included two centuries and two fifties, securing his position as the sixth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Although stepping away from ODIs, Warner hinted at a potential return for the 2025 Champions Trophy if the team needs him. “Should I maintain my form over the next two years, I would gladly make myself available for the Champions Trophy,” mentioned Warner.
Despite his ODI retirement, Warner remains open to participating in T20Is, especially with the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled for June this year in the West Indies and the USA.
-By Aditya Ahuja
