In an emotional moment as David Warner bid adieu to his illustrious Test career, the opener was seen hugging partner Usman Khwaja’s mother as he walked back to the dressing room. Warner, who announced his retirement from Test and ODI cricket, shared the opening innings with his childhood friend Khawaja for one last time on his home ground in Sydney.
Usman Khawaja and David Warner’s cricketing journey began in Sydney’s southern suburbs during their schoolboy days, and today, in what marked the final innings of Warner’s esteemed 112-Test career, Khawaja stood by his longtime friend’s side. The enduring friendship, spanning 31 years, was vividly on display as they walked out to bat together for one last time.
Having grown up together since junior cricket, Khawaja and Warner share a deep connection in international cricket. Their partnership extends to 64 innings in Test cricket, amassing a collective total of 2771 runs at an impressive average of 44.69. Notably, the duo holds the record for the third-highest 2nd wicket partnership for Australia in Test cricket, establishing a remarkable 302-run stand against New Zealand in 2015.
In his farewell appearance in red-ball cricket, David Warner achieved a commendable fifty, playing a pivotal role in Australia’s resounding eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the New Year’s Test at Sydney. This notable victory not only secured the series for Australia but also marked a decisive 3-0 whitewash in the three-match Test series on their home turf.