The David Warner “circus” is about to roll into the SCG for the final time in a Test match.
The veteran opener was given a standing ovation by the MCG crowd after he left the famous ground for the final time in a red-ball match for Australia during the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
Warner was dismissed for six in the second innings after hitting 38 on day one.
But the farewell, which began when he announced before the World Test Championship final in June that he would retire, will conclude next week at his home ground.
Captain Pat Cummins was yet to give the 37-year-old’s final Test much thought after Australia completed a classic 79-run win at the MCG.
David Warner of Australia celebrates after scoring a century during day one of the Men’s First Test match between Australia and Pakistan at Optus Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“I think every venue that we’ve gone to around here is kind of special knowing it’s going to be the last, walking off the field acknowledging the crowds,” Cummins said.
“He’s got plenty of his family in the MCG change rooms for probably the last time for a Test match.
“Just keep rolling into Sydney with the Davey circus or whatever you want to call it.
“But get up there, have a great week, celebrate it for him like he deserves.”
Warner has been Australia’s Test opener since 2011, smashing 8695 runs at an average of 44.58 across 111 matches.
He has no intention to retire from international white-ball cricket, until at least after next year’s Twenty20 World Cup.
But after scoring just two centuries in the past four years, Warner’s Test days were clearly coming to an end.
Australia are no clearer on who will succeed Warner as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner, despite the team hosting the West Indies in a two-Test series next month.
Traditional openers Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw have all done the job in Tests before without being able to become a permanent member of the XI.
Australian greats Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey this week both urged selectors to pick one of those three instead of the temptation to move Mitch Marsh up the order.
Cameron Green, who lost his spot at No.6 to Marsh during the Ashes, has also been floated as a possible replacement at the top for Warner.
© AAP
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