David Warner receives warm send-off after dismissal at 34

David Warner bid adieu with a 34-run knock, steering Australia’s innings as Pakistan managed to restrain their batting on the second day in the ongoing Sydney Test. 

Despite receiving a warm ovation from the home crowd, Warner missed the opportunity to secure a final Test century. The cricketer was visibly disappointed as he exited the Sydney Cricket Ground.

At lunch, Australia stood at 78-1, with Usman Khawaja at 35 and Marnus Labuschagne at three, in response to Pakistan’s first-innings score of 313. Warner’s departure came from a delivery that exploited extra bounce and turn, resulting in an edge and a catch at slip, leaving Australian supporters disheartened.

Having made his Test debut in 2011, Warner leaves the format with an impressive record of 8,729 runs at an average of 44.53 and 26 centuries. His dismissal followed a missed chance on 20, courtesy of a dropped catch by debutant Saim Ayub, extending Pakistan’s series of fielding mishaps.

Australia faced a challenging start, encountering a formidable Pakistan bowling attack that restricted Warner and Khawaja. The batting duo struggled, managing to add a mere 33 runs in the first hour of play.

This Test marks the conclusion of a three-match series where Australia sealed victory in the second Test in Melbourne, clinching a narrow 79-run win over the Christmas break.

Despite Warner’s departure, Australia remains equipped to mount a robust response in the ongoing Test, boasting substantial batting depth in their lineup for the second innings. As the match progresses, Pakistan’s fielding errors and missed opportunities continue to draw attention, especially following Ayub’s mistake after his early dismissal in his debut innings.