An Ashes series win in England in 2023 and defeating India in their own backyard are the two important milestones Australia opener David Warner is eyeing before calling it quits from Test cricket.
After retaining the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 lead inside 12 days, Warner, who turned 35 in October during the T20 World Cup, where he won the player-of-the-tournament award in Australia’s title triumph, admitted that there are still a few goals he’d like to achieve before quitting the longest format of the game.
“We still haven’t beaten India in India. That would be nice to do. And obviously, England away, we had a drawn series (in 2019), but hopefully, if I managed to get that chance and opportunity, I might think about going back,” Warner was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Warner has played 13 and eight Tests across three series in England and two in India, respectively. But he has a poor record in both countries, averaging 26 and 24, respectively, without a century.
Warner would turn 37 by the next Ashes trip to England, but for the left-handed opener age is just a number. “I think James Anderson sets the benchmark for older guys these days,” he said. “We look up to him as we’re getting on in our days. But for me, it’s about performing to the best of my ability.
“I feel in good touch. As I said, I was out of runs not out of form, so hopefully, I can put some more numbers on the board.”
Warner made it clear that Australia aren’t satisfied with just securing the Ashes at home. The team is already looking forward to upcoming tours of Pakistan and Sri Lanka which will be vital in their quest to reach the next World Championship final, an opportunity they missed earlier this year after last summer’s defeat to India at home.
“Those (tours) will really show where we are as a team and our character,” Warner said. “When you go to the subcontinent, you potentially could play two spinners. And then the selectors look at the batting line-ups with who they feel is probably going to be better on the subcontinent wickets and who’s not. There are going to be some brave decisions being made.”
