David Warner has indicated he could retire from Test cricket after next year’s Ashes, with the opening batsman confirming he will walk away from the red-ball format first.
The futures of Warner and several senior teammates have been plunged into the headlines in recent days after Australia’s shock exit from the Twenty20 World Cup.
Matthew Hayden in particular called for a regeneration of the team, claiming it was time for some to step aside before the next World Cup.
The 50-over World Cup will be held in India at the start of next summer, before T20’s next showpiece tournament in the Caribbean and USA in 2024.
Warner, however, made clear he intends on playing in both as he laid out his likely plan for walking away from the game.
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Australia’s busy 2023 schedule involves a Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India and Ashes in England, before the ODI World Cup in India later in the year.
(Photo by Paul Kane – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
“Test cricket will probably be the first one to fall off,” Warner said on Triple M’s Deadset Legends. “Because that’s how it will pan out. The T20 World Cup is in 2024, (one-day) World Cup next year.
“Potentially it could be my last 12 months in Test cricket. But I love the white-ball game; it’s amazing.”
Australia’s first real changing of the guard since the 2015 Ashes is looming, with several players considered likely to retire in the next 18 months.
Warner and Usman Khawaja will be 36 at the end of next year’s Ashes, Nathan Lyon 35, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood 32.
Steve Smith will also be 33, but would be tipped to continue far longer.
Despite averaging 11 in Australia’s recent failed T20 World Cup, Warner rejected claims he should exit before the 2024 tournament.
“T20 cricket – I love the game. I will be looking to get to 2024,” Warner said.
“For all those people saying I am past it and a lot of those old people are past it, look out. Be careful what you wish for.”
Warner’s comments come as CA finalise the reworking of their code of conduct, which would allow the opener to appeal his leadership ban stemming from the ball-tampering saga.
(Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
AAP has been told the reworded code is awaiting board approval, with Warner expecting a hearing with cricket’s integrity unit later this month.
“It’s about my knowledge of the game and passing it down to younger kids (as a captain),” Warner said.
“When I am playing in the Big Bash (for Sydney Thunder) … That can help someone like Jason Sangha. And other guys around me.
“If they’re willing to learn and I get the opportunity to actually captain again, I think it would be great for them.”
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I don't reply to your replies? What the? Is the Roar Algorithm blocking my responses to you? Maybe you have flagged me as an "undesirable"? :stoked:
Micko
Roar Rookie
Hi Jeff. You don't reply to my replies so not sure you'll get this. But I'll see at the test! :cricket: :thumbup:
Clear as mud
Guest
he had had deteriorating form. got brained by Ntini. had ben hit enough. and then announced the Ashes would likely be a swansong. it was the time of the "they deserve a shot at repudiation" selections. hence our Dad's Army team of 06-7 that lefts Ponting struggling with transition not long after. he averaged 30's in both SA series and most of that was slashing. ditto the Ashes against the pretty awful england. his last 10 innings were: 37, 25, 16, 35, 0 RH; then 82, 4, 37, 27 and 26. so it was good he went when he did, good for him, but I wouldn't have brought him back after Ntini. keep opening with Hussey, get Hodge into the middle for a fair run etc etc
Micko
Roar Rookie
Langer??? He retired the same time as Warne & McGrath, with his position in the side secure. He retired at the right time I feel. Warner, Ponting & Hayden on the other hand...
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
So the “Attack Dog” as described by Smith is apparently a selector. Sending Little Davey to England would please Stuart Broad however would only be “sandpapering over the cracks”.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Then he should be happy to play for NSW and whatever BBL thing he plays for
Jb
Guest
For some reason I feel like that is not the case. Maybe he just wants to play cricket, crazy I know
Clear as mud
Guest
It’s not new. Every single old and out of form batter tries the same trick. Including Saint Hayden and Saint Langer
Damo
Guest
Given the very recent history of the obvious boys club in the side, no-one will have the coconuts to say otherwise.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Mitch was never given much of a run in the test side.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
7 fifties in 13 innings is not too bad.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Davy is making some amazing assumptions about selection. He seems to think the choice is his.
Rellum
Roar Guru
I would be happy to retire him now and get players ready for England and India this summer
El Loco
Roar Rookie
No sensible selector, nor one properly executing their duties, would select Warner for England. If Bailey needs guidance on how to sack old teammates, he should give Trevor Hohns a call. Whether you like Hohns or not, he did his job in the interests of Australian cricket, not looking after the boys. Imagine if some sliding door had shut on Gilchrist by arsing around too long with Healy.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
A lot of "in and out"s their Micko. - BTW, how was your weekend. Get up - or in - to anything interesting?
badmanners
Roar Rookie
He's been picked for 3 tours because he was next best batsman. He has 1 50 to show for it from 12 innings. What's that definition of stupidity again?
Micko
Roar Rookie
By that stage a 40+ year old Anderson will be looking to get in first! :cricket:
HR
Guest
Khawaja gets more of a shout for England than Warner because Khawaja has...oh, what do they call it? Form.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Rent free
badmanners
Roar Rookie
I don't think Ussie should get another go in England, if Warner isn't to tour. Yes for India.