Whether you like it or hate it due to various scandals and bad times, David Warner is still Australia’s main hope to win the World Cup because of his confidence and fortitude.
The left-handed opener has established himself as an important player since his debut in international cricket in 2009. Even at the end of his career, Warner is at the center of Australia’s batting order. The star batsman will be 37 years old in the upcoming India World Cup.
Despite a lack of consistency in Tests in recent years, Warner has maintained strong form in ODI cricket. Warner, the owner of Australia’s second highest century in ODI cricket, has scored 6,300 runs at an average of more or less 45.
Long-time opening partner Aaron Finch has already retired. Successor Travis Head is also injured. However, Warner has continued his place in ODI cricket with great form. Despite criticism, Warner has publicly announced his retirement of his own accord. Warner wants to retire from Tests with a farewell match at his Sydney home ground next January.
Regarding his future plans, he said last June, ‘I probably owe it to my family and myself. I played every match thinking it was my last. I love being around everyone and being part of a team and being the strength of the group. I will work hard to reach the goal.’
If all goes according to plan, Warner will have a fairytale ending. But in 2018, his career was about to end due to the ball tampering scandal at Newlands in South Africa. He was banned from cricket for 12 months in that incident. At the same time, Warner has been banned as captain for life.
Warner also faced adversity like aggressive batting. Along with that, he has maintained his presence in all three formats of cricket. Warner has established himself as one of the most aggressive batsmen in cricket history.
(29 September/MM)