David Warner, one of cricket's premier batters, formally announced his retirement from international cricket following Australia's exit from the T20 World Cup 2024. Australia's disappointment was compounded by their failure to progress beyond the Super 8 stage, relying on a Bangladesh victory over Afghanistan to remain in contention, which did not materialise.
Warner had previously declared that the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies would mark his final appearance for Australia. His international career wound down gradually, culminating in his last ODI during Australia's triumphant 2023 campaign in India and his final Test match against Pakistan in early 2024.
Known for his explosive batting style, Warner made a spectacular T20I debut with 89 runs off 43 balls against South Africa. Over 110 matches, he amassed 3277 runs, including a century against Pakistan in 2019, making him only the third Australian to achieve centuries in all three formats of the game, alongside 28 half-centuries.
In addition to his achievements in international cricket, Warner excelled in franchise T20 leagues, notably the IPL, where he surpassed the 10,000-run mark in 2021, becoming just the fourth batter to achieve this milestone.
Reflecting on Warner's illustrious career, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting lauded his impact across formats: "He should be very proud of what he's done. I've played with him, coached him in the IPL, and I've always enjoyed his company."
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood acknowledged Warner's retirement, remarking, "We'll certainly miss him around the group, both on and off the field. It's always different losing a player who's been such a stalwart for so long."
Warner's departure marks the conclusion of a significant era in Australian cricket, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary achievements and unforgettable performances across all formats of the game.