In the 3rd Test between Australia and Pakistan, David Warner addressed the ball-tampering incident

David Warner is poised to retire from Test cricket after the conclusion of the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), commencing on January 3rd. Additionally, Warner revealed on January 1st that he plans to step down from One Day Internationals (ODIs) as well, although he remains hopeful about participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

In a pre-match press conference before the SCG Test, Warner reflected on his Test career, which boasts 8,695 runs, including 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries. His career faced a significant setback in early 2018 during Australia’s tour of South Africa, where he was implicated in the notorious ball-tampering incident in Cape Town. Investigations identified Warner as a key figure in the ‘Sandpaper gate’ scandal, resulting in the suspension of then-captain Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft, and Warner, who was the vice-captain at the time.

Bancroft received a nine-month ban for executing the act, while Smith and Warner each faced a year-long suspension. Warner made a strong comeback post-ban, scoring a record 335 not out against Pakistan in 2019, his highest Test score, and continued to play in Tests until his impending retirement in January 2024.

Discussing the ball-tampering saga, Warner expressed no regrets, emphasizing the importance of overcoming obstacles and moving forward with dignity and passion for the game. He focused on regaining respect and putting Australian cricket first upon his return.

Warner also touched upon his leadership ban within the Australian team following the scandal. He initially appealed against the suspension but later withdrew it, criticizing the process. Despite this, Warner acknowledged his leadership roles in various leagues and emphasized that true leadership doesn’t require official titles.

Ending his ODI career, Warner has amassed 6,932 runs in 161 ODIs, averaging 45.30 with a strike rate of 97.26, including 22 centuries. He played significant roles in Australia’s victories in the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups. Warner will continue to represent Australia in T20Is, aiming for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA in June.