Australia opener David Warner has put an end to rumors about his potential retirement from Test cricket following the Ashes 2023 series. The veteran had previously mentioned that he would call time on his Test career after the home series against Pakistan in January 2024.
Addressing the media before the fifth Test at The Oval, Warner sarcastically remarked that he hadn’t seen or heard anything about his retirement while being busy on the golf course. He denied making any announcements about his future plans and emphasized that his focus is on working hard in the nets and contributing to his team’s efforts to win the Ashes series.
“No, I haven’t heard anything actually. I haven’t seen anything. I’ve been on the golf course,” Warner said, dismissing the retirement rumors.
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When asked if he would like to make an official announcement, Warner clarified that he currently has no plans to retire and intends to continue giving his best on the field.
“No, I don’t have an announcement. For me, it’s about trying to work hard in the nets, as I did today. Potentially come out tomorrow and, if selected, go out there and play and try and win an Ashes series,” the 36-year-old added.
David Warner is keeping reporters on their toes about his retirement this summer…#Ashes pic.twitter.com/w1jlnVkp1s
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 26, 2023
Warner also spoke about his future plans after the Ashes series, stating that he won’t be playing in the West Indies. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to compete in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. He stressed the importance of facing red cricket balls to stay in top form for white-ball cricket and hinted that he might consider playing Shield cricket in the future.
“It depends. See how I go. You know, I have given the fact that I won’t play in West Indies, but if I still think I am eligible to keep playing and seeing the ball well, who knows. I am playing at the 2024 World Cup. I’ve always said, to be your best for white ball international cricket, you still have to be facing some sort of red cricket ball. Maybe I might play Shield cricket, I am not sure,” David Warner stated.
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However, the Australian batsman confirmed that the series against Pakistan will mark the end of his Test career, and he won’t continue playing beyond that.
“Okay, I won’t be playing any further than Pakistan. I won’t be playing the West Indies. Pakistan is the end. You have my word. I promise you,” he concluded, assuring his fans about his retirement plans.
