David Warner, one of the most engaging Australian openers, is poised to conclude his illustrious career with his last Test against Pakistan at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting on January 3, 2024.
Beginning a new phase in his life, Warner has affirmed his retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket. However, there is a possibility of a comeback before the 2025 Champions Trophy, as he remains open to rejoining the white-ball team if the Australian board requires his services around that period in 2025.
Although Warner’s Test performance away from home has been a persistent concern throughout his career, he exhibits exceptional prowess in home Tests. He has amassed 5347 runs in only 57 home Tests with a remarkable average of 58.11.
Here are the Five Australian greats who ended their Test careers in Sydney:
#1 Dennis Lillee– 1984 vs Pakistan
The renowned Australian trio of the late 1970s and 1980s retired from international cricket following the last Test against Pakistan in 1984. Dennis Lillee concluded his career alongside two other legends, Greg Chappell and Rod Marsh.
The retirement of the three legends left a substantial void, with Lillee securing 355 Test wickets, Greg Chappell being Australia’s top run-scorer (7110 runs in 87 Tests), and Rod Marsh, with 355 dismissals, emerging as the most successful wicket-keeper.
It was a remarkable performance by all three individuals. Greg Chappell, earning Player of the Match honors, showcased brilliance with a superb 182 in the first innings. Dennis Lillee was outstanding, claiming eight wickets in the match. Australia sealed a fitting farewell for these stalwarts with a 10-wicket victory.
#2 Michael Hussey– 2013 vs Sri Lanka
Mike Hussey may not be as famous as some other Australian players, but his important role and balance in the team made him a vital part, even though he started playing internationally at the age of 30.
Hussey concluded his remarkable career by playing his last Test against Sri Lanka in 2013. In the match, he scored 25 in the first innings and remained unbeaten with 27 in the second, contributing to Australia’s 5-wicket victory.
Starting his Test career against West Indies in 2005, Hussey played 79 Tests for Australia, scoring 6235 runs at an excellent average of 51.52 before retiring in 2013. Known as ‘Mr. Cricket,’ he was also successful in one-day and T20 formats, retiring from both in 2012.
#3 Matthew Hayden- 2009 vs South Africa
Matthew Hayden, one of the most powerful opening batsmen in cricket history, will forever be remembered in Australian cricket. He retired from Test cricket in 2009, concluding his career with a final Test against South Africa.
Although Hayden didn’t leave a lasting mark with the bat in his final appearance, contributing scores of 31 and 39 in the two innings, his teammates ensured he had a memorable farewell. Australia secured a comfortable 103-run victory in the match.
Known for his powerful batting, Hayden played a crucial role in Australia’s success in limited-overs cricket during the early and mid-2000s. He played a significant part in Australia winning the World Cup in 2003 and 2007.
#4 Shane Warne- 2007 vs England
Shane Warne, often regarded as the greatest spinner, retired from international cricket in 2007 after the final Test against England in Sydney, where Australia whitewashed England 5-0 to reclaim the Ashes. Warne, the second-highest Test wicket-taker, retired alongside cricket legends Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer.
Despite Shane Warne only securing two wickets in the entire Test, it had little impact as Australia secured a convincing 10-wicket victory, claiming the Ashes with a 5-0 win. Warne, a master in his craft, concluded his Test career with a total of 708 wickets.
At that time, Glenn McGrath, the highest wicket-taker among pacers, performed well with six wickets in the match. The fans gave the trio a memorable farewell, and the post-match photos will always be cherished by the cricketers and their families.
#5 Steve Waugh- 2004 vs India
While Steve Waugh may not have been known for his elegant style, he was a resilient character, consistently rescuing his team from challenging situations. His remarkable career concluded in Sydney against India during the fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2003/04.
At the time of his retirement, Steve Waugh held the record for the most Test caps (168 Tests). In his farewell Test, Waugh’s crucial 80 in the second innings played a key role in Australia salvaging the match. The entire crowd stood in acknowledgement as the great man left the field for the last time in his career.
Debuting in international cricket in 1985, Waugh emerged as one of the sharpest cricketing minds, leading Australia to their second World Cup victory in 1999. He concluded his international career with 18,469 runs in 493 matches.
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