“One of those natural winners”: Ricky Ponting big praise for David Warner

With Australia opener David Warner set to end his international career after the T20 World Cup, former captain Ricky Ponting hailed the veteran batsman as a “natural winner” and said he will be missed for more than just for the runs he scores after the age of 37 he retires. Warner, who has already said goodbye to ODI and Test cricket, confirmed earlier this year that the 2024 T20 World Cup will mark the culmination of his illustrious career. His last ODI appearance was in a World Cup win against India in 2023, while his Test career concluded with an impressive home series against Pakistan, highlighted by a century and a half-century.

Warner’s gradual retirement from national duties will be complete when Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign ends.

“He is the type of character you want in your team, especially in big tournaments like World Cups. And he’s just one of those natural winners. and the way he practices his cricket.

“So there are more than just races we will lose when Warner finally leaves. But I hope the depth of Australian cricket is good enough to find someone to come and fill that void,” Ponting told ESPNcricinfo. Warner arrived at the World Cup after an injury-plagued IPL for Delhi Capitals, where Ponting was head coach, The Franchise saw incredible form from young Jake Fraser-McGurk, who turned the selectors’ heads in an argument over finishing a World T20 squad and was named one of the traveling reserves.

Speaking about Warner’s replacement, Ponting expressed faith in Fraser-McGurk’s ability to occupy the top of the order. “It’s going to be a big shoes to fill, there’s no doubt about that. They’ve got a lot of depth there. I’d be very surprised if he [Fraser-McGurk] doesn’t go straight into the T20 team when David finally finishes.

“And by the way, we saw Jake debut for Australia in one day last Australian summer. I was lucky enough to coach him at Delhi Capitals this year too. He’s an extreme talent.”

If Australia emerged victorious in the T20 spectacle to win trophies in all three formats at the same time, Warner could be one of four players – alongside Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head – to have played in all three finals.