It was a less than ideal scene and their recent impressive winning streak was overshadowed, but Australia managed to complete a 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan at the SCG with David Warner playing his final Test match on a high note. Warner overcame the pressure of the day and Australia’s history of losing in the fourth innings while chasing small targets at the SCG to guide the team towards the finishing line with an impressive performance. Unfortunately, he was dismissed for 57, just 11 runs away from a victory.
He received a standing ovation from the home crowd as he walked off to the famous pavilion, concluding his Test career with 8786 runs at an average of 44.59 and 26 centuries. The Australians appeared to be struggling when they conceded a rare first-innings deficit, but they went on to showcase their fighting spirit by not only recovering from the deficit but also securing a memorable comeback win with eight wickets in hand and more than a day to spare.
For Warner, this match marks the end of his Test career, which spanned 112 matches over 12 years (minus one for his ball-tampering ban), generating numerous headlines about the polarizing modern star of Australian sport. Although he missed the chance to score the winning runs after being dismissed by Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan, he left the field with a wry smile when the decision went in the opposition’s favor.
In his final match, Warner took to the pitch alongside childhood friend Usman Khawaja, with Australia chasing a potentially tricky target of 130 for victory. While Khawaja fell for a duck, Warner managed to lead the team to lunch with 91 runs for the loss of one wicket. He eventually scored a half-century off just 56 deliveries and played an essential role in Australia’s victory along with Marnus Labuschagne.
In the end, the Australians breezed past the target within 26 overs, with Labuschagne remaining unbeaten on 62. Pakistan, who resumed day four on 7-67, was unable to build a defendable total, as the Aussies took control and secured the win. Despite some hiccups, Warner’s final Test was eventful, adding to his illustrious Test career.