David Warner bid farewell to his 112-Test career to a standing ovation from his home crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday as Australia defeated Pakistan by eight wickets to clinch the series 3-0. After Pakistan were bowled out for 115, Australia needed 130 to register a series sweep in Warner’s farewell Tests and the opener came out to bat amid loud cheers by fans and a guard of honour by the visitors.
One final time.#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/gbD9Fv28h8
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2024
He scored an attacking knock of 57 off 75 balls in his final Test innings to put Australia on the brink of victory before being dismissed by Sajid Khan. Warner’s dismissal brought the crowd at the SCG to their feet as they gave Warner a standing ovation as he walked back to the dressing room for one final time in Test cricket.
For the final time, David Warner leaves the Test arena to a standing ovation from his home crowd 👏 #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/EOrHijY6ke
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 6, 2024
The only other wicket to fall in Australia’s second innings was when opener Usman Khawaja was also adjudged lbw off Khan’s bowling for a six-ball duck.
Pakistan scored 313 and 115 and Australia responded with 299 and 130-2. Marnus Labuschagne scored 62 and was at the crease with Steve Smith (4) when the match ended.
Australia quickly took Pakistan’s three remaining wickets on Saturday morning to set a 130-run victory target with almost two full days remaining.
After Josh Hazlewood (4-16) ran through Pakistan on Day 3, the visitors offered little resistance before they were all out. Mohammad Rizwan (28) and Aamir Jamal (18) put on 42 for the eighth wicket, but Pakistan folded quickly once Nathan Lyon had Rizwan caught at leg slip.
Lyon also bowled Hasan Ali to end the innings, finishing with figures of 3-36.
Warner had earlier led the team onto the field to start the day, while “Thanks Dave” with his trademark leap also painted on the ground in front of the Members Stand.
Australia won the first test in Perth by 360 runs and the second by 79 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With AP inputs
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