Aussie cricket legend Ricky Ponting insists under-fire opener David Warner ‘deserves to go out on his own terms’ despite another setback against South Africa and not scoring a Test century in three years
- Ricky Ponting insists David Warner ‘deserves to go out on his own terms’
- Ponting said the under-fire opener should think carefully about his career
- Warner was out for a golden duck on Saturday, continuing a woeful run of form
Ricky Ponting believes David Warner ‘deserves to go out on his own terms’ after a concerning run of form saw the Aussie opener dismissed for a golden duck in the first Test against South Africa.
Warner’s shock first-ball delivery off Kagiso Rabada and a brilliant catch at short leg to Khaya Zondo was the second golden duck Warner enjoyed in his career, and the first in nine years.
Ricky Ponting believes David Warner (pictured) ‘deserves to go out on his own terms’ after a disturbing run of form saw the Aussie opener dismissed for a golden duck in the first Test against South Africa
Warner’s shock first-ball miss off Kagiso Rabada’s delivery and brilliant catch at short leg by Khaya Zondo was the second golden duck Warner enjoyed in his career and the first in nine years
It continues a dismal run of form for the 36-year-old, who averaged just 25.5 in the recently concluded two-Test series against the West Indies side and just 23 in nine Tests this year.
The left-hander has not scored a Test ton in three years – including his last one against New Zealand in January 2020.
Ponting believes Warner should think hard about ending his Test career – but he should be given the chance to end it on his own terms, rather than being sidelined.
Ponting (pictured) believes Warner should think hard about ending his Test career – but he should be given the chance to end it on his own terms, rather than being sidelined.
‘I think what he has to do is be as realistic and forward-looking as he can,’ Ponting said on Channel 7’s Test coverage.
‘Like I said earlier, he deserves the chance to finish the way he wants to finish. I would hate to see him go on an Indian tour or at the start of an Ashes tour and then get a pat on the back.
‘That would be a disappointing way to end his career… maybe after the Sydney Test. Let’s wait and see. Also, I hope he gets some runs between now and then.’
Australia’s upcoming tours are to England and India – both places where Warner has less than impressive averages
Australia’s upcoming tours are to England and India – both places where Warner has less than impressive averages.
However, head coach Andrew McDonald said Warner remained in the picture for the India tour and the out-of-form opener did not signal an imminent retirement.
‘He is eager to continue at this stage. He didn’t feel it [at] whatever,’ McDonald said.
Aussie head coach Andrew McDonald said Warner (pictured with wife Candice) remained in the picture for the India tour and that the out-of-form opener did not signal an imminent retirement
‘His appetite for work – in and around training – is still there.
‘He was busy at the crease, and you saw signs that he was fine. He just finds different ways to get out, and sometimes that can happen.’
Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh believes Warner will need some runs soon or the under-fire opener’s Test career is ‘in doubt’.
‘It doesn’t matter who you are: your job as a batsman is to run,’ Waugh said on Fox Cricket.
Aussie cricket legend Mark Waugh believes Warner will need some runs soon or the under-fire opener’s Test career is ‘in doubt’
‘He will be given some leeway because of his record and who he is, but how much do you cut a batsman?
‘The selectors want to see him run in the next couple of Test matches otherwise his Test future has to be in doubt.’
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