David Warner ended his Check profession as he began it – bludgeoning Australia to victory with a novel model of batting dominance that will not be emulated.
The ageing Bull returned to the halcyon Warner of his prime, wiping Pakistan out of the third Check to attain a becoming half century in his last innings and hand his facet a 3-0 clean-sweep.
When Usman Khawaja was trapped lbw by Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan, a Warnerless Australia may need been barely nervous at 1-0 chasing 130 for victory on a difficult SCG wicket.
However within the area of some overs, Warner killed the competition as solely he can and the hosts completed convincing eight-wicket victors.
Australia will miss Warner’s aggression and talent to dictate the course of a match.
Warner smashed 57 off 75 balls, together with seven boundaries – combining in a 119-run match-winning partnership with Marnus Labuschagne (62 not out) in his 112th and last Check match.
“We’re within the leisure enterprise and I’m simply blissful to come back out right here and and showcase what I attempt to do on a regular basis,” Warner instructed Fox Cricket.
“I attempted to play my pictures and exit the way in which I prefer to play.”
Labuschagne was very good in his personal proper, his finest Check innings for a while.
Pakistan resumed day 4 seven wickets down following the Josh Hazlewood blitzkrieg the night time earlier than, and it didn’t take lengthy for Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon to mop up the tail halfway via the primary session and bowl the guests out for 129.
Warner ought to have been given out lbw for 53 after being trapped in entrance by Sajid, however he escaped on umpire’s name after a poor on-field name from the on-field official.
A determined Sajid ultimately bought his man although, overturning one other incorrect umpiring name to get Warner lbw with solely 11 runs wanted for victory.
Each single member of the Pakistan workforce – and Labuschagne – congratulated Warner as he walked from the sphere to a standing ovation.
As a lot because the hero would have cherished to have hit the profitable runs, it was a pleasant second that he would share a heat embrace with Steve Smith on the boundary line, earlier than the brand new batter got here to interchange him within the center.
They’ve been the cornerstone of Australian batting for thus lengthy and have ridden all of the highs and lows of their careers collectively.
Smith and Warner is likely to be completely different folks, however there’s nice respect.
Warner was in a position to trample his manner via the 26 runs remaining at that time to complete unbeaten in his last act in Check cricket.
A wholesome crowd of 24,220 turned out for Warner’s farewell innings, however it’s affordable to recommend one other 10,000 might have been added had Hazlewood not successfully knocked out Pakistan the earlier night time by taking three wickets within the second final over.
Warner embraced opening associate and life-long teammate Khawaja one final time on the boundary rope earlier than getting into the world for a swansong to recollect.
Pakistan fashioned a guard of honour for him for the second time within the Check and he graciously thanked their skipper Shan Masood as he handed via it.
A ‘Thanks Davey’ tribute was etched in chalk on the outfield and Warner walked over it to stride to the center to start the run-chase that sees him exit the sport on a excessive.
Warner has now retired from Check and one-day cricket however intends to steer Australia into the Twenty20 World Cup within the West Indies and USA in June.
The person they name ‘The Bull’ solely must play another T20 worldwide and he’ll be part of Virat Kohli and Ross Taylor as the one participant in historical past to play 100 matches throughout all three codecs of the sport.
So far as Australia is anxious, Warner is the best all-format participant of all.
Warner’s free-wheeling methods additionally introduced the most effective out in Labuschagne, who broke out of a rut of types.
Labuschagne regarded his assured and in command finest as he additionally pushed the scoring charge, smashing 9 boundaries.
RE-LIVE THE ACTION FROM OUR BLOG TODAY
By Joe Barton
STUMPS: AUSTRALIA SEAL EIGHT-WICKET WIN, CLEAN SWEEP
Australia has accomplished the clear sweep.
Marnus Labuschagne hits the profitable runs to ice the eight-wicket win and ship David Warner into retirement as a winner.
Warner was so very almost there on the end line, falling with simply 11 runs remaining, after posting the ultimate half-century of his profession.
Labuschagne finishes unbeaten on 62, with Steve Smith alongside him.
To wrap this match up shortly after lunch on the fourth day is pretty outstanding contemplating how this sport was positioned – with solely 15 wickets having fallen simply previous to lunch on day three.
However the wicket got here to life, and Australia’s bowlers made probably the most of it – notably Josh Hazlewood and his triple-wicket maiden.
1.42PM: WICKET! WARNER DISMISSED JUST SHY OF VICTORY
It’s over – David Warner finishes his profession on a DRS name, having introduced Australia to inside 11 runs of victory.
He falls sufferer to Sajid Khan, who traps him in entrance and earns the wicket after a overview.
Warner goes for 57 and receives one last standing ovation from the gang, after getting a hug or a handshake from each member of the Pakistan workforce.
Australia will win this match, however Warner will be unable to hit the profitable runs.
It’s an emotional stroll again to the grandstand, for the ultimate time as a Check batsman. Nevertheless it has nonetheless been David Warner’s day.
1.39PM: MARNUS HITS 50, DEFICIT DOWN TO 11
Marnus brings up his nineteenth 50 in Check match cricket, and his second on this Check.
He had a down 2023, however this has been probably the most fluid innings his positioned in a while. He’s began 2024 on the suitable path and maybe he’s gunning for that No.1 Check batting rating as soon as once more.
Australia’s required runs is down to only 11.
1.30PM: AUSTRALIA 20 RUNS FROM VICTORY
They’re coming shortly now, as Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner rattle off the runs required for victory.
Australia is now simply 20 runs shy of a clear sweep victory – and the right ending for Warner’s profession.
The pair have placed on 110 runs, and Labuschagne is on the verge becoming a member of Warner in notching a half-century.
The social gathering is about to start.
“He’s going to finish his profession as he needs it, on his phrases. Hopefully he’s there on the finish,” says Mark Waugh.
1.20PM: WARNER SAVED BY DRS, DROPPED CATCH
With 27 runs remaining, Pakistan have had another crack at turning party-pooper in David Warner’s farewell.
He’s trapped in entrance by Sajid Khan, on 53, and Pakistan suppose they’ve their man. They name for a overview, and it appears to be like shut… however DRS guidelines that it’s only clipping the highest of the stumps, and so is saved by umpire’s name.
In the exact same over, captain Shan Masood spills a catchable providing from Warner – and it’s been that form of sequence.
When it’s your day, it’s your day.
1.15PM: WARNER CLOSES IN ON DREAM EXIT
Welcome again for the ultimate session of David Warner’s profession.
There’s 39 runs to go for an Australian workforce chasing a sequence whitewash towards a valiant Pakistan.
David Warner continues to be there, and whereas a farewell century is past him he might nonetheless drag Australia to a different victory.
And doubtlessly the profitable runs, too.
12:55PM: WARNER’S REPLACEMENT DEBATE CONTINUES TO RAGE
The most popular subject in cricket, who’s Australia’s subsequent opener after David Warner retires, continues to set the agenda, with certainly one of cricket’s most revered voices posing some doubt on Steve Smith providing up his providers on the prime of the order.
Fox Cricket’s Ian Smith baulked on the risk, questioning whether or not it could work.
“Say he failed 4 or 5 occasions in a row, what then? You drop him again to 4?” Smith posed at lunch break.
Nevertheless the potential for a transfer towards a weaker opposition just like the West Indies may very well be the suitable platform for the Aussie nice.
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan has repeatedly backed Cam Inexperienced to tackle the job, however did say Smith might thrive on the prime.
“If somebody sticks their hand up I believe Australia must pay attention.” Vaughan mentioned.
“Possibly Steve Smith wants a brand new problem.”
Till the West Indies sequence begins, all we are able to do is watch and wait.
12.31PM: LUNCH! AUSTRALIA CLOSE IN ON WIN TO FAREWELL WARNER
That’s lunch! Australia is simply 39 runs from victory, and it’s been a dream day for David Warner.
He’s unbeaten on 52 and has obtained three standing ovations for his last Check innings.
They cheered when he walked out to bat, once more when he introduced up his last half-century and as soon as extra when he walked off undefeated for lunch.
It’s been a traditional Warner innings, combating exhausting on a crumbling pitch however consistently pushing the tempo.
He’s added 91 with Marnus Labuschagne, who’s on 34, after Australia misplaced Usman Khawaja for a duck.
Be a part of us after the lunch break for the thrilling conclusion to Warner’s last Check.
12.28PM: WARNER NOTCHES FAIRYTALE 50 IN FINAL INNINGS
He will get there with a fast single labored off his pads behind sq..
It’s a muted celebration, however he will get a hug from Marnus Labuschagne and acknowledges his teammates and the followers across the floor.
It’s been a terrific innings on what might’ve been a difficult runchase, knocking the half-century over at virtually a run a ball.
And don’t the gang love him for it.
“He wrote this script… it’s a standing ovation for a half-century,” says Kerry O’Keeffe.
12.19PM: PAKISTAN BURN REVIEW ON MARNUS
If you’re defending a small complete just like the 130 Pakistan has in entrance of them, every little thing has to go best for you.
Nevertheless it’s simply not proper now. Powerful likelihood is being put down, balls are bouncing favourably for the Australians, and now an in depth name goes towards the vacationers as they chase a second wicket.
Sajid Khan hopes he has Marnus caught behind, and pushes via a overview, however it whistles previous the bat.
One overview burnt. Australia are simply 60 from victory. It’s wanting dire for Pakistan.
12.05PM: IS SMITH THE RIGHT CALL AS WARNER REPLACEMENT?
David Warner has raced to 32, and Australia wants only a additional 81 runs to safe victory.
However wanting forward, for a second, how can we really feel concerning the Steve Smith choice as Warner’s substitute on the prime of the order?
Smith himself is open to the transfer, although not everyone seems to be as eager on it. Former selector Mark Waugh is reluctant to maneuver Smith from the center order, however concedes it may very well be a job Smith might make his personal.
“He looks like he’s in a little bit of a rut for the time being Steve Smith. He’s actually not enjoying the way in which he’d prefer to,” Waugh mentioned.
“Opening, I’m undecided. Is he going to be in for the lengthy haul? Can we then search for one other opener if he retires in 12 months time?
“I’m undecided about that. I’d want to go together with a youthful participant. I’ve mentioned Cameron Inexperienced could be my selection.
“It’s a difficult one for selectors, there’s no standout there. However perhaps… he can bat anyplace, Steve Smith.”
We’ll discover out in just a few weeks when Australia performs the West Indies in a two-Check sequence.
11.50AM: DROPPED! WARNER GETS LIFE IN AGGRESSIVE START
He’s going to exit with a bang, that’s for positive.
David Warner is on the cost in pursuit of this small goal, racing to 25 in fast time – however he’s using his luck, skying a tricky probability off Sajid Khan.
Aamir Jamal, operating backwards from mid-on, makes a giant dive however the ball evades his outstretched hand.
“That’s why he’s one of many fashionable greats. 23 off 22, on this observe, on a fourth day…” mentioned Pakistan nice Wasim Akram final over.
However the goal is getting trimmed shortly. Australia at the moment are 92 from victory.
11.40AM: WARNER’S REGRET: ‘IF I HAD MY TIME AGAIN…’
David Warner is attempting to put in writing his farewell script right here – he’s 15 not out, and desperately attempting to dictate phrases of this chase towards Pakistan.
But when he had his time once more, he’d rewrite an honest chunk of his profession, too.
The Aussie assault canine will retire as one of many nation’s finest ever batsmen, however following a profession often laced with controversy, he says he simply hopes to have received again the belief of the Australian public.
“Through the years I do know I haven’t been everybody’s cup of tea however for me I’ve performed the sport as exhausting as I can and to the most effective of my capability. Hopefully I’ve regained that belief in everybody,” Warner mentioned on Fox Cricket.
Lots of people don’t get to see or get to know the individual. What you see on the sphere, from once I first began I used to be that chirpy little fella on the market – and that was my position within the workforce, to go on the market and get beneath the opposition’s pores and skin.
“Your first impression… you don’t get a second probability at that. I’ve tried to rebuild that belief and religion.
“I went two years once I was being known as the Reverand – I finished ingesting for 2 and a half years and I actually loved that point. However I believe folks wished the outdated Bull again.
“For me it was going on the market and enjoying with pleasure and fervour, and there’s different methods to go about it.
“I’ve toned it down a hell of quite a bit and that’s the actual person who I’m. If I had my time once more, I’d in all probability present a bit extra persistence with my tongue and I’d chew it just a little bit extra.”
11.27AM: WICKET! KHAWAJA FALLS IN FIRST OVER
Oh wow! An absolute dream begin for Pakistan, and a nightmare for Usman Khawaja – after taking the strike to open up the second innings, Khawaja is dismissed for a duck inside the primary over and Australia are 1-0.
He’s trapped LBW by Sajid Khan, a decent name which he instantly opinions. It’s umpire’s name on each affect and ball-tracking, however that’s not sufficient to overturn the on-field resolution.
That concentrate on of 130 goes to look greater and larger with each wicket that falls.
Marnus Labuschagne joins Warner on the crease.
11.23AM: WARNER TIME! RETIRING STAR GETS HEROES WELCOME
David Warner has walked out for his last Check innings.
It’s an emotional event on the SCG, as Warner touches the Phil Hughes plaque simply outdoors the workforce dressing room earlier than sharing an extended hug together with his mate, Usman Khawaja.
Pakistan are ready with a guard of honour, and there’s a shake of the hand with Pakistan captain Shan Masood, earlier than an extra congratulations from the umpires.
The stage is about. Can Warner give the gang a particular reminiscence? Australia want 130 for victory.
11.15AM: ALL OUT! AUSTRALIA TO CHASE 130 FOR VICTORY
That’s it! Nathan Lyon finishes with three, bowling Hasan Ali for 5 to deliver Pakistan’s innings to an in depth.
Pakistan are all out for 115, setting Australia a victory goal of 130.
That units the scene completely for David Warner – can he steer Australia to 1 final win? One other clear sweep?
It’s his time. It’s his day.
11.00AM: WICKET! JAMAL FALLS, PAKISTAN IN TROUBLE
One brings two!
This time it’s Aamir Jamal who falls the over after Rizwan, he goes for 18, once more falling for the Australian entice.
They put a person on the sq. leg boundary and Pat Cummins has Jamal pulling for six – however he didn’t fairly middling it, and Travis Head takes a easy outfield catch.
That double blow has put the clamps on this innings, and Pakistan’s lead of 123 is now wanting fairly skinny.
Hasan Ali and Mir Hamza within the center now.
10.55AM: WICKET! LYON GETS THE BREAKTHROUGH
The GOAT strikes. Mohammad Rizwan departs for 28, ending a vastly worthwhile 42 run partnership.
The plan works, with Rizwan tickling a straight one all the way down to David Warner at leg slip.
The Aussies erupt. They wanted to wake the gang up a bit, and that’s achieved it.
Pakistan leads by 123.
10.50AM: PAKISTAN ‘TAKE THE WIND OUT OF AUSSIE SAILS’
Pat Cummins has been busy this morning, shifting the sphere round, attempting bowling adjustments.
He’s even introduced himself again into the assault.
However none of it’s working. This pair has now added 41 for the eighth wicket, prolonged the result in 122. And it’s formally in harmful territory for Australia.
“They’ve taken the wind out of the sails of the Ausssies,” says Mark Waugh.
Having thrown the ball to Hazlewood, Lyon, Head and himself, is it going to be all that lengthy earlier than we see Mitchell Starc?
10.40AM: AUSSIES DEPLOY DOUBLE-SPIN ATTACK
We bought 4 overs of Josh Hazlewood, with out the fireworks of final night, earlier than Pat Cummins turned to a two-pronged spin assault to get probably the most out of this pitch.
Travis Head has changed Hazlewood. He had success final night time to get Babar Azam out caught behind, and with the pitch taking quite a lot of flip, Cummins is rolling with a twin Head-Nathan Lyon spinning mixture to get the breakthrough.
The lead, nevertheless, has grown previous 100. Pakistan leads by 104 now.
10.30AM: PAKISTAN MAKE BRIGHT START
It’s exhausting going, however Pakistan are doing every little thing they want proper now.
Between Rizwan and Jamal, they’ve added 13 runs to the in a single day rating – nudging that lead in the direction of the century mark.
It’s 95 for the time being, nonetheless with three wickets in hand. With each run that’s scored, Pakistan creep nearer to a mark that might fear Australia.
“The primary level for me is you may see it’s very, very crumbly, Nathan Lyon be licking his lips, as will the Pakistani bowlers,” says former Australian coach Justin Langer on Channel 7.
“Apparently sufficient, it was Josh Hazlewood who took these wickets yesterday, Pakistan shall be attacking the stumps and it’ll spin… each run Pakistan can get shall be very important.”
10.10AM: THE STATS THAT GIVE PAKISTAN HOPE
– LACHLAN MCKIRDY
After Josh Hazlewood’s devastating spell late on day three, Pakistan crumbled to 7-68 with a lead of simply 82 going into Saturday morning.
And whereas the outcome appears to be like to be closely in Australia’s favour, historical past reveals that chasing any form of complete on the SCG has by no means been simple.
Solely 4 occasions this century has a workforce chased a complete of 100+ runs within the fourth innings and received on the SCG. And no workforce has efficiently chased a complete within the fourth innings on the floor since 2013 when Australia ran down Sri Lanka with 5-141.
Whereas it’s unlikely to get that far, solely 5 occasions in historical past has a workforce efficiently chased down a complete of 200 runs or extra on the floor. The final of which was the very best chase on the floor, Australia’s 2-288 towards South Africa in January 2006.
Highest fourth innings run chases on the SCG
Australia – 2/288 v South Africa in January 2006
Australia 4/276 v England in February 1898
Australia 8/275 v England in December 1907
Australia 6/260 v New Zealand in November 1985
Australia 4/219 v England in December 1980
Australia 5/214 v England in February 1947
10.00AM: HAZLEWOOD GETS THINGS GOING ON DAY FOUR
Right here we go. Josh Hazlewood, final night time’s hero, will take the ball to begin issues off. He has 4-9 from his 5 overs.
Pakistan, holding onto an 82 run lead, desperately want a partnership. Rizwan and Jamal, who had been Pakistan’s highest runscorers within the first innings, are within the center.
Can they conjure one thing particular? And can Australia revert to their most well-liked plan of short-pitched bowling on the tail?
You’d say absolutely not, contemplating how ruthless Hazlewood was when he hit the suitable areas late final night time.
However we’re about to seek out out.
9.45AM: GHOSTS OF CHASES PAST…
It appears doubtless that Australia shall be chasing a modest victory goal as we speak – it could take a rare effort for Pakistan so as to add one other 120, and push their lead past 200.
However that doesn’t imply anybody within the Australian camp is taking it flippantly.
You don’t must look far for a reminder of what can occur on this floor with a small goal.
In 1994 an Australian workforce boasting greats Mark Taylor, David Boon and Mark Waugh, and led by Allan Border, was set a goal of 117.
“We bought bowled out for 111,” mentioned Waugh on Fox Cricket.
“However the factor is can Pakistan make one other 60 runs?”
9.30AM: GLORIOUS SUNSHINE FOR WARNER DAY 2.0
Hiya from the SCG the place it’s a lovely sunny day, with the bottom beginning to refill with an expectant crowd hoping for a dream David Warner farewell.
Australia completed day three in extraordinary style, ripping the heart out of Pakistan’s center order and placing their victory plans firmly on ice.
Josh Hazlewood’s triple-wicket maiden was the cherry on prime of a staggering last session by which Australia, firstly, conceded a 14-run first-innings lead after which ran riot thereafter – lowering Pakistan to 7-68 at stumps in a frenetic last hour.
What’s going to occur as we speak? Nicely, the pitch shortly transitioned from ‘bowlers’ graveyard’ to ‘full minefield’ sooner or later yesterday, so something might occur.
Pakistan holds an 82-run lead and can do every little thing inside their energy to stretch that, with their last three wickets, to a goal of 150.
After which it is going to be Australia’s probability to chase a clear sweep and the perfect Warner ship off.
We’ll be right here all the way in which.
9:00AM THE SUN SHINES OVER THE SCG – FOR NOW!
With only a bit over an hour earlier than play begins, the solar is out and the SCG is wanting an image.
The forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology is for a cloudy day with only a 20 per cent probability of rain over Sydney so we are going to get a outcome as we speak … assured!
HAZLEWOOD SETS IDEAL TARGET FOR TRICKY CHASE
— Tim Michell
Josh Hazlewood has set a goal of bowling Pakistan out with a lead of lower than 130 as Australia appears to be like to clinch a 3-0 sequence victory on day 4 on the SCG.
The match scenario couldn’t be arrange extra completely for David Warner, who’s all however sure to play his final Check innings on Saturday.
Pakistan crashed from 2-58 to 7-68 in a chaotic end to the third day as Hazlewood took three wickets in an over after Travis Head and Nathan Lyon uncovered the guests’ delicate underbelly.
“As we’ve got seen with the wicket, it’s fairly powerful. Underneath 100 could be excellent however something underneath 130 I believe could be splendid,” Hazlewood instructed Fox Cricket.
Hazlewood mentioned Warner could be “clearly key” to Australia’s probabilities of capping a hard-fought sequence in fashion.
“He’s at all times good in these form of chases to get a fast 40 or 50 and actually blunt the assault right away as we’ve got seen for the most effective a part of 10 or 12 years now. He’s clearly key in that chase,” he mentioned.
Simply don’t anticipate Pat Cummins to name on Warner for a bowl.
“Possibly at 10 and 11 if we’ve got bought them in collectively,” Hazlewood mentioned.
Initially printed as Australia def Pakistan by eight wickets as David Warner hits half-century in dream farewell
