Ricky Ponting, the former skipper, expressed his admiration for the recently retired opener, David Warner’s career. The All three formats spanned during an ‘unbelievable’ career according to Ponting who added that there was a massive void left by Warner in Australian cricket.
Warner’s 15-year international career came to an end after Afghanistan beat Bangladesh in Kingstown leading to the elimination of Australia from the T20 World Cup at Super Eight stage.
“I put my arm around him. I said, ‘…just take a moment tonight to sit back by yourself and reflect on what’s been an unbelievable career across all three formats for Australia.’,” Ponting said on ICC Digital Daily. “We know he retired in the summer from test cricket, but you’ll struggle to find a guy that’s had as big an impact on all three forms in Australian cricket than David Warner has.”
Ponting captained Warner aged 37 years old before coaching him when he played for Delhi Capitals in IPL franchise.
“So I’ve been able to play with him and coach him these last couple of years in IPL and really enjoy his company. So, he should be very proud of what he’s done,” Ponting continued.
Australia lost their final Super 8 match against India by 24 runs at Gros Islet Saint Lucia yesterday evening; hence Afghanistan’s victory over Bangladesh ended the dreams of the 2021 champions of reaching semifinals.
Last year (2020) Test cricket bade farewell to him followed by One Day Internationals earlier this year and now it is time for T20 World Cup, which will signal the end of his international career according to Warner.
Josh Hazlewood admitted filling dressing room gap left by absence of Warner will be difficult as Australia embarks on its new journey without him.
“We’ll definitely miss him around the group, out in the field and off-field. (An) amazing all-format career,” he said.
“With Test cricket and ODI cricket, it sort of been a slow burn. And now T20. Sort of life without him it’s just become part of the furniture… It’s always different when you lose someone who has been there for so long.”
Warner had quit all international formats however, he had expressed his wish to return to Australian ODI side during next year’s Champions Trophy if his performances remained strong.
