David Warner announces ODI retirement, keeps option open for Champions Trophy 2025
Australia’s renowned opener David Warner has announced his decision to retire from ODI cricket just ahead of his farewell Test match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Since making his debut in 2009, Warner has been an automatic pick in ODI format for his national side. Over the decade, he contributed immensely to the success of Australian cricket, including victories in the 2015 and 2023 World Cups.
Elaborating on his decision, the 37-year-old expressed that he wishes to spend more time with his family. He also stated that the recent World Cup win in India is a massive achievement.
“I’ve got to give back to the family and also on the back of that I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well. That was something that I had said through the (2023) World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that’s a massive achievement,” he said.
Warner has 6932 ODI runs in 161 matches at an average of 45.3 and a strike-rate of 97.3, including 22 centuries and 33 fifties. He finished five centuries less than Ricky Ponting, who has the most hundreds in ODI cricket by an Australian.
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Future of David Warner?
The ODI retirement will definitely help the left-handed opener participate in more T20 leagues across the globe. On the other hand, the Australian cricket team can continue to groom youngsters to build a side for the near future.
“So I’ll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (Twenty20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit.
Despite the retirement, Warner has kept the option for return open keeping Champions Trophy 2025 in mind. The tournament will be hosted in the ODI format in Pakistan.
“I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up. If I’m playing decent cricket in two years’ time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available,” he added.
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