David Warner has shared an emotional tribute to his wife Candice and three daughters Indi, Ivy and Isla ahead of his looming retirement from Test cricket.
The 37-year-old won the World Cup with Australia last month and immediately began hinting at playing on until the 2027 tournament.
He will have more time on his hands much sooner than that, though, set to farewell the longest form of the game in January after a final match at the SCG.
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The lead-up to Warner’s final weeks in the baggy green have been overshadowed by criticism from Mitchell Johnson and others.
But the veteran has done well to shake off the drama and focus on his preparations and enjoy time at home with his family following the lengthy tour of India.
Warner paid a grateful tribute to “my amazing girls” ahead of Thursday’s first Test in Perth.
“As I reflect on this year in my life, I’m reminded of the immeasurable love and support that each of you brings,” Warner wrote on Tuesday.
“Your presence in my life is a constant source of joy, strength, and comfort. I am deeply grateful for the countless memories we’ve created and for the unwavering bond that holds us together.”
Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars — “Ivy’s favourite song,” Warner wrote — played over the compilation video.
“My wife Candice thank you for always supporting me. You are my source of laughter, and my companion on life’s journey,” he went on.
“Your love has enriched my life in ways I could never fully express, and I cherish every moment spent with you and the girls.
“May we continue to cherish our family bond, ensuring that our love remains a guiding light in our lives.
“I love you all so much and can not wait to spend more time together very soon.”
The Warner sisters’ Instagram account, managed by their parents, commented: “We love you Dad! You are our hero.”
Candice had shared a short message farewelling Test cricket tours during the Ashes in July.
“The end of an era for us touring with Test cricket, it’s been fun,” she wrote.
“Forever your biggest supporters and your girl gang. Love you David.”
Barring any unforeseen backflip Warner has three matches left in his Test career, against Pakistan in Perth this week, Melbourne for Boxing Day and Sydney in the new year.
Focused on ending his career on a high, Warner said he learned long ago to knuckle down in the face of criticism.
“My parents ingrained that into me. They taught me every day to fight and work hard,” he said.
“When you go onto the world stage and you don’t realise what comes with that, it’s a lot of media, a lot of criticism but a lot of positive.
“I think what’s more important is what you see here today, the people coming out to support cricket.”
Just who steps into Warner’s shoes when the Aussies face the West Indies in Adelaide and Brisbane later in January remains to be seen.
“There’s always going to be speculation about who opens when Davey goes. We have time to make that decision,” coach Andrew McDonald said.
“For us, it’s gathering information and making the decision when we need to make the decision, so that’s as simple as it gets. We have no firm views on it at the moment.”
– with AAP