Australian opener Usman Khawaja has spoken about teammate David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket. He said it’s a special and emotional moment for him to see the emotional side of Warner.

January 3, 2024 will be the last time David Warner will be seen in white for Australia. The batsman will retire from the longest format of the game after the final Test against Pakistan, scheduled to be played at their home ground at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

David Warner will undoubtedly be considered one of Australia’s best players in Tests. For more than the last decade, he has been the backbone of the team, and his departure will now leave a huge void for the team at the top of the order.

While everyone was prepared for his Test retirement, David Warner surprised many by announcing his ODI retirement. However, the batsman mentioned that he will be available for the team if they want him to play in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

David Warner’s childhood friend Usman Khawaja spoke about his opening partner’s fierce competitiveness. He said that no one has seen the emotional side of the batsman, but he mentioned that he is a completely different person off the field. Speaking to Fox Cricket, he explained:

“It’s quite special and quite emotional, I hadn’t seen it. You don’t see that side of Davey (Warner) at all. Obviously he doesn’t show you that side when he plays. He is a fierce competitor. You see the Bull and you see him go out and play hard and I’ve known him for a long time and I know that side of him.

“One thing I love about Davey and probably what I like most about him is that you see what he is like on the cricket field, but he is a very different person when he is back home and with his family. Obviously I have known his parents Loraine and Howard for a long time and his family is good friends with mine.”

AUS vs PAK: Playing together and being together for so long – Usman Khawaja on David Warner

Usman Khawaja further acknowledged David Warner’s efforts for Australia in Tests and ODIs. He said the batsman has put heart, soul and tears into the game. The first batter added that it has come full circle for him and Warner. He added:

“Playing together and being together for so long, the journey is strange and a part of that journey is coming to an end. She stopped playing Test cricket and One Day Internationals and put a lot of time and effort into it and there is a lot of heart, soul and tears in it.

“There are so many ups and downs and there are so many things involved, I guess when you realize it’s coming to an end, especially being able to share that with a childhood friend. And now that we have our own children, it’s strange when it comes full circle.”

David Warner has had exceptional contact in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. He opened the series with a magnificent ton in Perth and was hoping to finish it on a high as well.