One of the greatest players in cricket’s history and Australia’s all-time second-top scorer, David Warner, officially played the last match of his red-ball career during the last Test against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Pakistan’s red-ball skipper Shan Masood presented Babar Azam’s shirt to Warner which was signed by all players as a token of appreciation for his legendary career.
“If we could just give a token of appreciation and parting gift to David Warner if he could come up to the stage please,” Shan said as he asked Warner to come to the stage to receive the gift.
Warner, who amassed 18,612 runs with Australia across formats, then came onto the stage and received the gift after which the two shared some moments.
“Thank you so much. Shall see you in the PSL,” Shan told Warner.
“We just thought the whole squad could give you Babar Azam’s shirt as a gesture, we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
Earlier, Australia beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third and final Test of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
The stage was set for Warner to bat for the last time in his 112th and farewell Test as Australia went after the runs for victory on the fourth day.
It was a fairytale ending for Warner, who scored 57 runs in 75 balls, as Australia chased down the modest target of 130 runs and completed whitewash in the series.
A crowd of more than 22,000 at his home Sydney Cricket Ground rose for a final ovation as Warner left the field.
Warner's innings gave him a career tally of 8,786 runs in 112 Tests at an average of 44.59 with 26 centuries since his debut against New Zealand in 2011.
It must be noted that Warner brought the curtain down on his one-day international career at the start of this year.
- David Warner
