David Warner had a storied international career with plenty of highs and a few lows but the Australia batting great says he retires without any regrets having mended his reputation that was tarnished following his infamous involvement in the ball tampering scandal of 2018.
Warner won all three ICC world titles across formats and the 37-year-old announced a shock ODI retirement on the new year’s day having already confirmed the Sydney Test starting later this week will be the last of his career.
Also Read: Warner Announces ODI Retirement, Keeps Door Open for Champions Trophy
“Reflecting back on that whole period, my whole career, I’ve got no regrets, because you’re going to have a lot of hurdles that you have to jump. There’s going to be obstacles in the way. But you have to move forward,” Warner told reporters on Monday.
“I’ve done that with dignity. I’ve come back and I have got a lot of passion for the game. And it was important from my perspective to make sure that I’ve given back. I (wanted to make) sure that I’ve not just gained the respect back, but making sure that I’m putting Australian cricket first,” he added.
Warner won the ODI World Cup with Australia this year having finished the tournament as their leading run-getter. Following the tournament, the opening batter had indicated he could play well till the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
However, personal life and various commitments to play league cricket around the world mean Warner has quit Tests and ODIs.
“I want every young kid who wants to play cricket to dream to play for Australia and that was really important to me when I came back. I’ve surprised myself at being able to play all three forms as well. It’s been very difficult, especially having three young children come along as well,” he said.
“I am definitely keen to pursue playing Big Bash again next year. There’s obviously going to be conversations behind the scenes to allow me to do that,” he added.
Warner has also already lined up a commentary gig.
“Obviously I’m joining the Fox commentary team next year for the Test series against India, which I’m looking forward to. There is a BBL window that we’re able to play and there has clearly been a lot of talk about the ILT20 which we’ll be starting, I’m pretty sure, after the BBL.
“I would like to play BBL in and around the commentary stuff but I’ve just got to make sure that I am, one, playing to the best of my ability, and two, that I’m not hindering the team’s performances or upsetting the balance,” he said.
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