In a triumphant farewell, David Warner expressed his joy and pride as Australia sealed a comprehensive 3-0 series victory against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Warner, who is retiring from Test cricket, lauded the team’s exceptional achievements over the past 18 months, including the World Test Championship win, a drawn Ashes series, and triumph in the World Cup.
Reflecting on the outstanding team effort, Warner commended the relentless work ethic of the Australian cricketers, particularly highlighting the trio of fast bowlers and Mitchell Marsh, whom he referred to as the “engine room.” He emphasized their dedication in the gym and acknowledged their remarkable skills, even humorously mentioning his reluctance to face them in the nets.
Walking down memory lane, Warner shared a glimpse of his relaxed morning routine on the day of the decisive match at the SCG, expressing happiness and pride. Grateful for the unwavering support of the home crowd throughout his career, Warner thanked the fans for their incredible backing.
Acknowledging the entertaining aspect of cricket, David Warner emphasized that the players are in the “entertainment business.” He highlighted his commitment to showcasing an exciting brand of cricket, rooted in the style he initially brought to Twenty20 format. As he bids farewell to the red-ball game, Warner expressed the emotional significance of the moment, particularly watching the upcoming series against the West Indies from the sidelines.
David Warner credited his family, especially his parents and his wife Candice, for their support and the beautiful upbringing they provided. Expressing gratitude to Candice for keeping him grounded, Warner cherished every moment spent with his family. Looking ahead, he encouraged young aspiring cricketers to follow in his footsteps and continue to play the red-ball game, considering it the pinnacle of the sport.
In the context of the Australia vs. Pakistan match, Warner’s farewell was accentuated by the team’s impressive performance, securing a whitewash against the visitors. Warner played a crucial role in the series, entertaining fans with his dynamic style and contributing to the team’s success. As the curtain falls on Warner’s Test career, his legacy remains one of excitement, entertainment, and a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Full Excerpt of David Warner speech
David Warner: “It’s pretty much a dream come true. You win 3-0, cap off what’s been a great 18 months to 2 years for the Australian cricket team. World Test Championship win, Ashes series draw and then the World Cup. To come here and finish 3-0 is an outstanding achievement. I’m proud to be with a bunch of great cricketers here. These guys, they work their backsides off, the engine room – the three quicks plus Mitchell Marsh, they work tirelessly in the gyms. Credit to them. They are amazing, don’t have to face them in the nets, which I don’t do anyway. (Today morning) Just a casual walk up to the local cafe, got a coffee with the young one, and just got into the car. I felt happy and I am really proud. To come here in front of the home crowd, the support they’ve shown me in my career, I can’t thank them enough. It’s really much appreciated.”
“We are in the entertainment business, happy to come out here and showcase what I try to do all the time. I started with Twenty20, tried to come here and emulate that, tried to play my shots and managed to get a win on the board. (Family) Massive part of your life, without their support, you can’t do what you do. All credits to my parents for giving me a beautiful upbringing, my brother Steve I have followed his footsteps and then came along Candice who got me in line.”
“We’ve had a beautiful family. I cherish every moment I get with them. Thank you Candice for what you’ve done, you mean the world to me and I appreciate it. It’ll be quite emotional to watch the boys go out there (West Indies series) and not play knowing that I was able to come out here and do what I could do. You got a great bunch of cricketers here, we are all almost over 30 years of age, time goes by, we are not getting younger. They’re energetic, they’re world-class and a great bunch of boys. (How would you like to be remembered?) Exciting, entertaining and I hope I put a smile on everyone’s face the way I played.”
“Hope the young kids out there can follow in my footsteps, white ball cricket to Test cricket, it’s the pinnacle of our sport. So keep working hard and play the red-ball game which is entertaining as well. Thanks everyone.”
