End of an Era: David Warner ends illustrious Test career with brisk fifty in Australia's win, walks off SCG amid thunderous applause

Star opener David Warner drew curtain on his Test career on a high as in a dream farewell he played an impressive 57-run knock which came handy in Australia's eight-wicket win over Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in the third Test on. With this Australia clinched the three-match series 3-0. Warner, who concluded his Test career, which spanned for 112 matches, bid adieu to the longest format of the game amid thunderous applause as he walked off the field after being dismissed in his home ground SCG.

As Australia were just 11 runs shy of sealing their third straight win in the three-match Test series, Warner's innings ended with an lbw dismissal by Sajid Khan. He received a rousing ovation from the SCG audience as he acknowledged them while departing.

Warner finished his illustrious Test career with 8786 runs at an average of 44.59 which was studded with 26 centuries, three double tons and 37 fifties. The southpaw will no longer feature in the red-ball format and ODIs. Making his way to the dressing room, he was warmly greeted by former Test captain Steve Smith, who, along with Marnus Labuschagne, scored the remaining runs needed for victory. Warner took a moment to give his Australia helmet and batting gloves to a young fan at the players' gate before departing into retirement from Test cricket.

Amid the emotional significance of the event and the challenging task his team faced in pursuing a potentially demanding target, Warner remained true to his style, unchanged from his earlier 204 Test innings, and did not opt for a cautious approach.

The 37-year-old started his final Test appearance with a heartfelt embrace with Usman Khawaja, his opening partner and long-time friend. Together, they crossed the boundary line, passing over the 'Thanks Dave' tribute freshly marked on the SCG ground.

Talking about the match, in Australia's pursuit, Usman Khawaja was the only other batsman dismissed, falling lbw to Khan without scoring.

Pakistan set the stage with scores of 313 and 115, to which Australia answered with 299 and 130-2. Marnus Labuschagne contributed significantly with a score of 62 and was joined by Steve Smith (4) at the crease when Australia clinched the match.

On Saturday morning, Australia efficiently dismissed Pakistan's last three batsmen, setting themselves a target of 130 runs for victory with nearly two days of play remaining.

Josh Hazlewood had previously devastated the Pakistan lineup with a 4-16 spell on Day 3, leaving them with minimal resistance. Pakistan's later efforts, including a 42-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Mohammad Rizwan (28) and Aamir Jamal (18), fell short as Nathan Lyon took Rizwan's wicket at leg slip, hastening their collapse.

Lyon continued his impressive performance by bowling out Hasan Ali, concluding the innings and finishing with 3-36.

Earlier in the day, Warner had led Australia onto the field, with a tribute reading “Thanks Dave” along with his iconic leap depicted on the ground in front of the Members Stand.

This match followed Australia's substantial victories in the first two tests of the series: a 360-run triumph in Perth and a 79-run win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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