David Warner's Farewell Test: Australia Sweeps Series as Warner Bids Adieu with Grace

The mysterious David Warner admits that he hasn't been "everyone's cup of tea," but if he could go back and start over, he would have been more reserved.

Warner led Australia to an eight-wicket victory against Pakistan on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep, and walked into the Test sunset, capping off an incredible career in the most fitting way.

Despite not being his usual aggressive self, the 37-year-old managed a 75-ball score of 57 at his home ground of Sydney Cricket Ground in his final conventional format performance.

Warner said to Fox Cricket, "I haven't been everyone's cup of tea over the years, but for me, I've played the game as hard as I can and trying to do my best for the team."

"I probably would show myself a little bit more patience and bite my tongue a little bit more if I had my time again and I knew that."

Particularly in the early stages of his career, Warner was perceived as an aggressive and occasionally even vicious player willing to engage in verbal sparring as well as sledging with other players.

He was the main character in the notorious ball-tampering incident that occurred in South Africa in 2018; as a result, he was banned from Australian team leadership for life and served a one-year suspension from first-class cricket.

Many people, in my opinion, never get to see, meet, or get to know the person. I was that happy little guy out there from the beginning," Warner remarked.

"Going out there and getting under the skin of the opposition and the batter was my job on the team, and yeah, it did help me a little bit because they came after me when I batted.

"However, they witnessed it in the beginning, and I believe that you only get one chance to make a first impression, so I've worked to win back their faith and trust."

Warner claimed he was able to alter his strategy in his later years of playing premier league cricket, blaming it on a self-imposed alcohol prohibition.

He remarked, "I really enjoyed the two and a half years that I abstained from drinking and spent being called the Reverend."

"I believe that people desired the return of the old bull, but for me, it meant playing with pride and ardor; there are alternative approaches." That is the true me, and I have toned it down a great deal.

"The game has changed a lot, in my opinion, and you play against a lot of different individuals. There are alternative ways to be chirpy and pushy without having to go out there.”

A unique Australian gift for their "mate"

Sydney: Australia defeated Pakistan by eight wickets on Saturday to win the series 3-0, despite David Warner being deprived of the opportunity to score the game-winning runs in his farewell Test. Warner still managed to contribute 57 runs to the goal of 130.

In an attempt to snap a 16-match losing streak in Australia dating back to 1995, Pakistan amassed 47 runs during the course of the night before being dismissed for 115 one hour before midday.

At the boundary rope, Warner hugged his opening partner and childhood friend Usman Khawaja. The visitors gave Warner a guard of honor as he approached the crease.

In the first over, Warner played like a man on a mission, cutting the ball through the covers in his usual way for his first four runs, while Khawaja went leg before for a duck.

With a single to square leg, he reached his 37th Test half-century, and Australia headed to lunch on 91/1, 39 runs short of their target, with the victory all but assured.

Warner hit seven boundaries in his 75-ball innings before Australia was just 11 runs away from victory when spinner Sajid Khan trapped him in front. At his home pitch, more than 24,000 spectators stood for a standing ovation as Warner exited the field.

For me, it meant everything. Regarding the applause, Warner remarked, "I've sacrificed a lot to be in this position and I've given absolutely everything to play this game."

Over my career, there have been many ups and downs for me. I had to endure hardship and come back. I believe I did that really, really nicely. Today, I believe, has simply demonstrated to me how supportive I am, and I am quite appreciative of that.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.