David Warner Retires From ODIs But Keeps Door Open For ...

BANGALORE, INDIA - OCTOBER 20: David Warner of Australia celebrates their century during the ICC ... [+] Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between Australia and Pakistan at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 20, 2023 in Bangalore, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Australia's renowned opener, David Warner, has officially declared his retirement from both one-day internationals and tests, leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing world.

Warner played his final ODI for Australia on November 19, 2023, against India, the ODI World Cup final that the Aussies won by six wickets to clinch their sixth world title.

Although Warner announced his retirement from the 50-over format, he expressed his availability for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 01: David Warner of Australia leaves a press conference with his ... [+] daughters and wife Candice ahead of the Third Test Match between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 01, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

In a poignant press conference on Monday, the 37-year-old reflected on his illustrious ODI career, having amassed 6,932 runs at an impressive average of 45.30, including 22 centuries – a feat surpassed only by the legendary Ricky Ponting among Australians.

"I'm definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well," Warner shared emotionally.

"Winning the World Cup in India is a massive achievement, and now, I'll be stepping aside to allow the one-day team to move forward while exploring opportunities to play in other leagues around the world."

Ever the team player, Warner acknowledged the 2025 Champions Trophy, stating, "If I'm playing decent cricket in two years' time and they need someone, I'm going to be available."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 22: David Warner of Australia bats during game four of the One Day ... [+] International series between Australia and Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 22, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Warner’s final test appearance will be against Pakistan at his hometown Sydney, which begins on Wednesday. Australia have already won that three-test series with victories in the first two matches.

The cricketer admitted that he had initially considered walking away from test cricket last year itself, after the second test in the Ashes against England, had he not contributed to the team.

"I said quite clearly in England before the World Test Championship, there was a lot of talk about me and my form. I wanted to nip it in the bud early, and I said my ideal preparation to finish would be Sydney," he disclosed.

“But I actually had Lord's penciled in as my last test, especially if I didn't go as well as I did as a partnership with Uzzie [Usman Khawaja] at the top of the order,” he added.

Looking ahead, Warner, renowned for his prowess in T20 cricket, sets his sights on inclusion in Australia's squad for the T20 World Cup later this year in the United States and the West Indies.

His contract with the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) adds another dimension to his T20 aspirations, showcasing his continued commitment to the shortest format of the game.

As Warner embarks on the next chapter of his cricketing journey, his impact and legacy are sure to endure in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.