‘Haven’t heard anything, I’ve been on the golf course’ – David Warner’s cheeky response to retirement rumours ahead of Oval Test

David Warner. (Photo source: Getty Images)

Australia opener David Warner has responded to rumours that suggested that he would likely retire from Test cricket following the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test, which will begin on Thursday, July 27, at The Oval. Notably, the veteran had previously said that, following the home series against Pakistan in January 2024, he will call time on his Test career.

Before the fifth Test, Warner spoke with the media and addressed rumours that revolved around him leaving the game. He remarked, a little sarcastically, that he hadn’t seen or heard anything as he had been on the golf course.

“No, I haven’t heard anything actually. I haven’t seen anything. I’ve been on the golf course,” Warner said.

Warner was also questioned if he would like to make an announcement regarding the same, to which he responded that he didn’t. He continued by saying that, if he is selected, his goal will be to put in a lot of effort, play well, and help his team win the Ashes.

“No, I don’t have an announcement. For me, it’s about trying to work hard in the nets, as I did today. Potentially come out tomorrow and, if selected, go out there and play and try and win an Ashes series,” the 36-year-old added.

David Warner is keeping reporters on their toes about his retirement this summer…#Ashes pic.twitter.com/w1jlnVkp1s

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 26, 2023

Pakistan is definitely the end, you have my word: Warner

David Warner went on to say that he won’t play in West Indies but is confident of his ability to compete in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. He insisted that one must face some red balls in order to play white ball cricket, adding he might even play shield cricket later.

“It depends. See how I go. You know, I have given the fact that I won’t play in West Indies, but if I still think I am eligible to keep playing and seeing the ball well, who knows. I am playing at the 2024 World Cup. I’ve always said, to be your best for white ball international cricket, you still have to be facing some sort of red cricket ball. Maybe I might play Shield cricket, I am not sure,” he said.

The 36-year-old further confirmed that the series against Pakistan will be his last and he won’t play after that.

“Okay, I won’t be playing any further than Pakistan. I won’t be playing the West Indies. Pakistan is definitely the end. You have my word. I promise you,” he concluded.