Former Greg Chappell hopes the Sydney Cricket Ground will be giving a grand farewell to David Warner when he plays in the final test starting on January 03.
Greg Chappell on David Warner’s farewell
Greg Chappell praised the left-hander’s contributions and services over the years for the national side. He has a special home record after amassing 5,347 runs in 53 Tests with an average of 58.17 with an individual score of 335*.
He wrote to the media about the player saying, “I know how hard it is to do what he has done through 111 Tests, so I hope that David’s harshest critics acknowledge his talent and contribution and forgive his human frailties.”
“I hope Sydney farewells David Warner fondly next week. Whatever one thinks of him, David Warner has been fantastic for Australian cricket.”
“The passion, energy, professionalism, and competitiveness that he has brought to every contest have been unmatched. He must accept that he has allowed himself to be portrayed in a certain manner.”
The player faced criticism from Mitchell Johnson before the opening Test of Pakistan’s Australia tour in 2023. However, the veteran responded by smashing 164 runs and helped the side to win the match by 360 runs.
He also spoke about the sandpaper saga from 2018 which will remain a blot in Warner’s career.
“David will never live down the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ incident. That scar on Australian cricket needs to be owned by a lot more people than Warner and Bancroft.”
“Warner’s role in the success of Australian cricket during his time cannot be underestimated. In the modern era, only Virender Sehwag has been more damaging than Warner as an opener.”
Chappell also hopes that Australia to pick a replacement for a player. “While the best fast bowlers always fancy themselves against anyone, they know that certain players can destroy them if they are not on the top of their game.
“The impact of a destructive opener can never be overestimated and I strongly believe that the selectors must look for someone with similar abilities to replace Warner or risk giving away the unique advantage that Australia has enjoyed for the past decade,” he concluded.
After his retirement, he will be likely to play in T20 matches and will be likely to retire from all international formats after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Australia and Pakistan will be playing their third Test match starting on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
