Australia’s David Warner confirms ODI retirement

SYDNEY: Australian batter David Warner has announced he will also step away from ODI cricket following his decision to retire from Test cricket.

The two-time Cricket World Cup-winner made the announcement on the morning of New Year’s Day. The left-handed opener compiled 6932 runs at 45.30 in the middle format, at a strike rate of 97.26.

Often stepping up at global tournaments, Warner also bows out with 1527 World Cup runs, scored at an average of 56.55, at a rate better than a run a ball. Only five men’s batters stand above him on the all-time World Cup run tally, including compatriot Ricky Ponting (1743).

“I’ve got to give back to the family,” Warner said during his announcement. “That (ODI retirement) was something I had said through the World Cup, get through that and winning that in India is a massive achievement.”

There was a caveat to Warner’s announcement with the veteran open to a return for the 2025 Champions Trophy should he be required.

“I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up and if I’m playing decent cricket still in two years’ time and they need someone, I’m going to be available.”

Warner entered the Australia set-up as a limited overs specialist, debuting for the team in T20I cricket in January 2009 against South Africa before playing a first-class match.

He made his ODI debut against the same opposition a week later, before making a half-century in his second outing in the format.

The 37-year-old opener will also play his final Test match at the SCG against Pakistan, beginning on January 3.