David Warner has launched a scathing attack on media coverage and speculation surrounding his Test cricket retirement, labelling it “sickening” despite driving the SCG farewell narrative himself.
After years of poor form and teasing out retirement news, Warner went public with his plan to play one more year and say farewell with one last home Test at the SCG in 2024.
Many scoffed at the idea and questioned if his form warranted the faith, but the 36-year-old secured his place for the recent Ashes with an iconic MCG double century against South Africa and showed improved form in England, where he has historically struggled over the winter even without kicking on for a breakthrough century on English soil.
However, with Australia about to enter a transition period, many believe it would be easier to blood the incumbent opener’s heir this summer against Pakistan and the West Indies instead of against the might of India next summer.
Conversely, Warner has lashed out at the microscope constantly being on him, saying he was almost looking forward to retirement.
“I just can’t wait to finish, and then they’ll have to find someone else’s name to use as clickbait,” Warner told Fox Cricket.
“It’s incredible. To be honest – if I’m being brutally honest, it’s actually been sickening.
“And that’s why I always put it back to the team. It’s about the team. It’s not about me and what I’m doing.
“For me, it’s about going out there and trying to put my best foot forward and playing to the best of my ability to put the team in a good position.
“That’s why I gave an end date. Because that’s when I’m ending – that’s when I intend to end.
“It’s when I intend to go home and spend some time with the family and live life and join you guys (Fox Cricket commentary). I can’t wait.”
Warner is set to play a lead role at the top of the order in Australia’s bid to reclaim the cricket World Cup in India, with his form in white-ball cricket never in doubt.
He is the Aussie’s most in-form batter heading into Sunday’s titanic opening clash with hosts India.