David Warner said goodbye to Test cricket with one last act of bravery on the fourth day of the New Year’s Test in Sydney, leading Australia to a 3-0 series thumping of Pakistan with a half-century.
In front of friends and family at the SCG on Saturday afternoon, the seasoned opener amassed a belligerent 57 runs, smashing seven boundaries to aid Australia in their pursuit of the 130-run target with eight wickets remaining.
Warner and Marnus Labuschagne put up a 119-run partnership for the second wicket before Warner was eventually dismissed by spinner Sajid Khan. This victory ensured Australia’s 17th straight Test victory against Pakistan at home, a run that dates back to 1995.
After the game, Warner told Fox Cricket, “It’s pretty much a dream come true.”
“You win 3-0, capping off an incredible 18 months for the team. It’s a huge accomplishment to come here and win 3-0 after winning the World Cup, drawing the Ashes, and winning the World Cup. Being here with so many amazing friends makes me proud.
During his last Test knock, the 37-year-old, who is retiring, dazzled. At one point, he tried an outrageous reverse paddle over the slips cordon, which thudded awkwardly into his pads. The left-hander was also fortunate to escape unharmed when one of his lofted hacks against Khan just missed Aamir Jamal’s lunge at mid-on.
Warner went on, “We’re in the entertainment business, and I’m just happy to come out here and showcase what I try to do every day.”
“I made an effort to play my shots and finish the way I enjoy playing.”
Warner reached fifty in just 56 deliveries, marking his 37th half-century in Test cricket. The 24,220 Sydney spectators cheered him on as he reached the small milestone. After the lunch break, Labuschagne, who ended the day undefeated at 62, replicated the feat with a 64-ball fifty of his own.
The devils of DRS were even smiling on Warner; he was spared an LBW early in the afternoon session when a big chunk of the ball crashed into Hawkeye’s middle stump due to a questionable Umpire’s Call decision.
Chaos reigned for the remainder of Khan’s over as captain Shan Masood dropped a regular catch at mid-wicket, Pakistan’s seventeenth dropped catch of the series, and Labuschagne nearly ran himself out with a sneaky single. Khan also unsuccessfully appealed for another leg-before chance.
When Warner was dismissed by Khan after another review for LBW, Australia was 11 runs off target. The iconic venue erupted in audible groans as three red lights appeared on Hawkeye. Warner concluded his illustrious career as an Australian Test cricket player by giving his gloves to a young fan in the Members’ Stand and giving his salute to the crowd.
Warner expressed his happiness and pride.
“I am incredibly appreciative of the support you and the team have given me over the years, and I am honored to be here in front of your home crowd.”
With four runs scored off of no fewer than Steve Smith and Labuschagne, the remaining deficit was easily erased.
Day four began with Pakistan being bowled out for 115 in 43.1 overs, which set the stage for a disorganized run chase in the fourth innings.
Play resumed on Saturday morning with the hosts having to clean up Pakistan’s tail; however, Pakistani bowler Aamir Jamal and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan survived the first forty-five minutes to give the Australian camp a serious scare.
Before off-spinner Nathan Lyon produced the much-needed breakthrough, Rizwan and Warner shared an alarming 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Rizwan then flicked the Kookaburra towards Warner at leg slip for 28.
A few minutes later, rival captain Pat Cummins took advantage of Jamal, who had hit a deep square leg pull shot straight at Travis Head for eighteen. Lyon then completed the feat by bowling last man Hasan Ali.
As Warner stepped out to bat for his last Test innings, the Sydney crowd gave him a standing ovation, and the Pakistani team presented him with a guard of honour. But Australia’s pursuit got off to a disastrous start when Usman Khawaja, their opening partner, was out for a duck in the first over.
With the ball kissing the edge of off, Khan trapped Khawaja on the pads for LBW with his sixth delivery, and a last-ditch review failed to save the Queenslander. Pakistan’s decision to open the bowling with spin proved to be a masterstroke.
That meant Khawaja and Warner would miss their chance to hit the game-winning runs in their final Test innings together, a move that would have allowed them to emulate modern-day greats Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden.
After Khawaja’s early departure, there were some anxious looks in the Australian dressing room, but Warner and Labuschagne skillfully led the hosts to victory and another series rout at home.
Australia’s focus now shifts to Wednesday, January 17, at Adelaide Oval, when the Frank-Worrell Trophy matchup against the West Indies gets underway.
