The end of an era: David Warner retires from ODI cricket

Just two days before his farewell Test match against Pakistan, Australian opener David Warner has announced his retirement from the ODI format of cricket. However, the 37-year-old stated that he is available for the Champions Trophy 2025 if needed. Warner also said that he was thinking of retirement after winning the World Cup 2023 which was held in India. He said, "It might not just be me (retiring), but no one (else has) said anything, so I think it just is me. But it was a decision that I was very comfortable with."

A 'BULL' of cricket retires

Warner's decision brings to an end a remarkable ODI career that has thrilled fans for over a decade. Warner made his ODI debut on January 18, 2009, against South Africa in Hobart and over the course of 161 matches, he scored an incredible 6,932 runs. He hammered at an average of 45.30 and a strike rate of 97.26, with remarkable consistency and explosiveness. The Austaila's stalwart has two World Cup titles, 22 centuries, and 33 half-centuries in his name.

David Warner's ODI carrier in numbers:

• 18th most ODIs played for Australia 
• 2nd most ODI centuries for Australia behind Ricky Ponting 
• Joint 8th most ODI centuries of all time alongside Virat Kohli 
• 6th highest run-scorer in ODIs for Australia 
• 4th highest ODI score by an Aussie with 179 against Pakistan in 2017
• 6th highest World Cup run-scorer of all time 
• 2nd highest Australian World Cup run-scorer behind Ponting
• Most World Cup centuries for Australia
• Most World Cup centuries: 2nd after behind Rohit Sharma

Warner's prime was a sight to behold. The legendary batter hammered seven ODI centuries in 2016 as he dominated the prime bowling attacks of different countries. The 37-years-old holds the record for the fastest Australian to reach 4000, 5000, and 6000 ODI runs.

While his ODI journey has ended, Warner's legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers. The aggressive style, determination, and ability to deliver in major tournaments have secured Warner's place in the record books and in the hearts of cricket fans.