David Warner scored a quick-fire 57 in his last Test innings as Australia completed a 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday. Warner, who announced his retirement from the longest format before the match, hit nine fours and a six in his 48-ball knock and received a standing ovation from the crowd as he walked off the field.
Australia had little trouble in chasing down the modest target of 130 after bowling out Pakistan for 230 in their second innings. Pat Cummins took four wickets and Nathan Lyon claimed three as the visitors collapsed from 152 for 3 to lose their last seven wickets for 78 runs. Azhar Ali top-scored with 67 and Mohammad Rizwan made 45, but none of the other batsmen could resist the Australian attack.
Warner ends his Test career on a high note
Warner, who made his Test debut in 2011, finished his career with 8,625 runs in 89 matches at an average of 48.94. He scored 26 centuries and 30 fifties, with a highest score of 335 not out against Pakistan in Adelaide in 2019. He was also a prolific opener, forming a formidable partnership with Chris Rogers and later with Marcus Harris. He holds the record for the most runs by an Australian in a single Test series, with 774 runs in the 2019 Ashes.
Warner was known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to dominate the bowlers. He was one of the few batsmen who could score at a strike rate of over 70 in Test cricket. He was also a brilliant fielder and a vocal leader in the team. He was involved in some controversies, such as the ball-tampering scandal in 2018 and the altercation with Quinton de Kock in 2017, but he also earned the respect and admiration of his peers and fans for his passion and dedication to the game.
Pakistan suffer another humiliating defeat in Australia
Pakistan have not won a Test match in Australia since 1995 and have lost 15 consecutive Tests Down Under. They have been outplayed in all departments by the hosts, who have been ruthless and relentless. Pakistan’s batting has been fragile and inconsistent, their bowling has been ineffective and inexperienced, and their fielding has been sloppy and lacklustre.
Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam, who scored a century in the first innings of the third Test, admitted that his team was outclassed by Australia and that they need to improve in all aspects of the game. He said that he was proud of his young players, who showed some fight and resilience, but also acknowledged that they have a lot of work to do to compete at the highest level.
Australia extend their unbeaten run at home
Australia have not lost a Test series at home since 2018, when they were defeated by India. Since then, they have won seven consecutive series, including the Ashes in 2019 and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2021. They have also climbed to the top of the ICC World Test Championship table, with 14 wins, two draws and two losses in 18 matches.
Australia’s success has been built on their formidable bowling unit, led by Cummins, Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. They have also found a stable and solid batting line-up, with Warner, Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Alex Carey. They have also shown great depth and flexibility, with players like Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Mitchell Swepson stepping up when required.
Australia’s coach Justin Langer praised his team for their performance and said that they have a lot of hunger and desire to keep improving. He also paid tribute to Warner, who he called a legend of the game and a great teammate.
