- Ian Healy has called for David Warner to ignore his mounting critics
- Warner, 37, knows he has plenty of detractors after ‘Sandpapergate’
- Veteran batsman has plundered two centuries at ODI World Cup
- Poised to retire from international cricket with Australia in January
Cricket great Ian Healy has urged David Warner to ignore the haters and continue to showcase his brilliance for Australia.
Warner, 37, has long been a polarising figure – but there is no dispute when the dynamic batsman is firing, he is world class.
The left-handed opener recently told SEN Radio he thrives on ‘making everyone look stupid ‘- a reference to his swashbuckling form at the ODI World Cup, where Warner has plundered 413 runs at an imposing average of 68.83, including centuries against Pakistan and the Netherlands.
In June, Warner confirmed he wishes to retire from the Test arena in January at the SCG, when Australia take on Pakistan.
An underwhelming Ashes series saw that goal under threat, but his scintillating performances on the subcontinent are likely to see him stay in the Aussie XI.
Australian cricket great Ian Healy has urged David Warner to ignore the haters and finish his career in emphatic fashion
It comes after Warner recently told SEN Radio he thrives on ‘making everyone look stupid’
And whether he likes it or not, there will always be a stain on Warner’s reputation following ‘Sandpapergate’ in Cape Town back in 2018.
Healy wants Warner to channel his focus, enjoy his time at the crease and not be distracted by his critics.
‘Forget it, Davey….would be my message,’ Healy said.
‘I know the temptation that Davey has fallen into and succumbed to this week when he uttered the words, ‘I’m making everyone look stupid’.
‘He’s keen to make people eat their words and look stupid it seems. That’s disappointing.
‘I hope he finishes strong, wins this World Cup on his bat if that’s possible, enjoy the summer all around the country and finish happy.’
Warner – if selected – wants to play his final Test in front of family and friends at the SCG in early January (pictured, with wife Candice Warner)
Warner will again be a key figure for the Aussies at the top of the order when they take on England on Saturday night in Ahmedabad.
English star Joe Root has already lit the fuse, declaring ‘man for man, I’d have this team every day over the Australians.’
It was a bizarre comment given the Poms are anchored to the bottom of the ladder at the ODI World Cup, trailing minnows such as the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
In contrast, the Aussies started the tournament slowly, losing to India and South Africa, but have since rocketed into semi-final contention following four successive wins.
Play begins at 7.30pm AEDT.
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