David Warner has rubbished suggestions he and Steve Smith are gearing up for their last Test match, labelling claims they are set to retire immediately at The Oval as a joke.
Australia are preparing for their biggest match in four years this week, desperate to become the first tourists since Steve Waugh’s men in 2001 to win the Ashes in England.
But the lead-up to the fifth Test has been hijacked by whispers that Australia’s two most senior players are on their way out, with an Ashes series victory the perfect exit point.
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That rumour was further perpetuated by former England captain Michael Vaughan on Tuesday, who said he had heard it would be the pair’s last Test.
The comments have raised eyebrows in Australia’s change room, with Warner vehemently denying the suggestion when fronting the media ahead of Thursday’s Test.
“And Smithy (is retiring) too apparently. So obviously it’s a joke,” Warner said.
“I won’t take that too seriously … I don’t have an announcement.”
Warner has already flagged his intention to retire after the SCG Test against Pakistan in January, and confirmed on Tuesday there had been no change to that plan.
The 36-year-old also made clear there had been no consideration of going out early at The Oval, as his former captain Michael Clarke did eight years ago.
“No, not at all,” Warner responded when asked if he had considered retiring immediately.
“This is about us as a team. And if we win, it’s about a team celebrating and that’s what we’re here for.
“For me it’s about winning the series. I came here last time – it was a draw. Hopefully we can go away with a series win and then that’ll be a fitting Ashes campaign for us.
“We’re here as a group and we’re united and hopefully we can achieve that.”
Warner names next man up
Despite declaring he did not intend to walk away, Warner did still outline who he feels is his ideal replacement.
“I’ve always said Matt Renshaw is a very good player,” Warner said.
“He can play both formats quite easily. He’s tall. He’s exactly like Haydos (Matt Hayden). We spoke about him in the early part of his career.
“I’ve always felt and held him in high regard as a very good player. He’s worked on his technique. He’s been in and out of the squads, and I think he’ll be a great replacement.”
Renshaw made his Australian return in the middle order last summer after debuting in 2016, and was part of the squad for the Ashes before being cut free earlier this month.
Marcus Harris also has a front-row seat to vie for the position, with Warner stating he was excited to see how the Victoria opener took the opportunity.
Cameron Bancoft is often regarded as another option for the role, but was completely overlooked for the Ashes tour.
Warner is adamant though that Australia must get their combination right, including having one patient opener to go with a faster-scoring one in Renshaw.
With that in mind, he likes South Australian Henry Hunt and Queenslander Bryce Street as players who could one day replace Usman Khawaja.
“We’ve always had someone who’s been up the other end to actually soak up some of the pressure and bat normally,” Warner said.
“I’m not sure who that might be, but know Hunty and Bryce are well at home so there are two guys that have been looked at for A series.
“They’re probably good players to fit that sort of mould. But yeah, I think there’s a there’s a few guys that are there ready to come in.”
Smith not close to retirement
Warner conceded on Tuesday he had left runs on the field during this Ashes series, having averaged 25.12 with a top score of 66.
But he also maintains that he has batted with the right attacking approach, valuing the fact he and Khawaja had put on three half-century opening stands.
While Warner has been clear in his retirement plans, Smith has long refused to give anything definitive on his future.
The 34-year-old said earlier this month he was still enjoying the game and had no plan to walk away while still scoring runs.
“While I am enjoying myself and feel like I can improve and contribute to the team, and feel good about helping the team, then I will keep playing,” Smith said after the second Test.
“(What’s left to achieve) is not really part of my thinking. I am feeling good at the moment, so no dramas here.”
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