Perth (Australia) (AFP) – The upcoming three-match series against Pakistan holds special significance as Australian opener David Warner is set to bid farewell to Test cricket after the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground early next year. The 37-year-old, a stalwart of the Australian team for over a decade, has recently faced scrutiny due to his Test form, having scored just one century since early 2020.
Former team-mate Mitchell Johnson raised questions about Warner’s anticipated “hero’s send-off,” considering his recent performance in Test matches and his role in the 2018 “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal. Johnson expressed his doubts in a newspaper column, challenging the notion that Warner deserves special treatment in his exit.
Chief selector George Bailey defended Warner’s selection for the opening Test in Perth, stating that he had earned his place. However, there are no guarantees beyond the first Test, and Warner is under pressure to deliver notable performances if he hopes for an emotional send-off in Sydney.
Australia, led by captain Pat Cummins, enters the series against Pakistan as strong favorites, commencing their defense of the World Test Championship. The Australian team had a successful year, securing victories in the Ashes and the one-day World Cup, with Warner being the leading scorer.
While Pakistan faces the challenge of taming Australia’s potent bowling attack, including Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon, Warner’s individual performance will be closely watched as he navigates his final Test series. The series holds additional significance for Pakistan, aiming to break a longstanding streak of not winning a Test series in Australia.
Coach Andrew McDonald commented on Warner’s selection, stating, “Davey’s playing the first Test match, and we’ll go from there.” The series against Pakistan marks a crucial chapter in Warner’s illustrious Test career, where he will seek to make a lasting impact before bidding farewell to the format.
