'Go Out, Be Positive'- McGrath's Heartfelt Advice To Warner For His Final Test At SCG
The third Test in Sydney will be the Pink Test.(x.com)
Australia's cricket legend Glenn McGrath has offered heartfelt advice to David Warner ahead of his final Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) against Pakistan, starting on January 3. As Warner prepares for his 112th and last Test cap, McGrath encourages the veteran opener to embrace his signature attacking style and play fearlessly until the very end.
In McGrath's own reflection on his retirement from Test cricket at the SCG in 2007, he emphasizes the importance of playing without fear.
"You've been retired for a long time. When I played, I think my only concern was what would happen if I left the pitch at the end of the day without having given it my all", McGrath said, sharing his personal insight with Warner.
With Warner's Test career spanning 111 matches since his debut in 2011, he has accumulated an impressive record, amassing 8695 runs at an average of 44.6. Despite initial doubts about his suitability for Test cricket due to his aggressive playing style, Warner has silenced critics and stands as Australia's highest-scoring opener in Test history.
In McGrath's words of encouragement for Warner, he urges the batter to stay true to his style.
"Go out, be positive. In Perth, we watched him come out and score a solid hundred overs, simply returning to his playing style. Hopefully, he can go out on a high. It'd be great to see him get a hundred here in front of his home crowd," McGrath said, expressing his hope for a memorable farewell for Warner.
McGrath, along with Shane Warne and Justin Langer, retired from Test cricket following a triumphant SCG Test in 2007, where Australia secured a 5-0 Ashes whitewash against England. Drawing from that experience, McGrath emphasizes the joy of playing without fear and the significance of leaving the field with self-belief.
As Warner bids farewell to Test cricket, Cricket Australia's CEO Nick Hockley commends his remarkable contribution to the sport.
"David deserves congratulations for an incredible Test career. We all owe him a great deal for his enormous contribution to this version of the game. David's wonderful attacking style not only played a vital role in many Australian victories but also enthralled and entertained fans across the world," said Hockley.
Warner, known for his explosive innings and ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, holds the distinction of being Australia's fifth-highest Test run-scorer and the second-highest run-scorer in all formats, with 18,521 runs behind only Ricky Ponting.
Warner's farewell Test aligns with the 16th edition of the Pink Test at the SCG, with all proceeds dedicated to the McGrath Foundation, a charitable initiative supporting breast cancer patients. Glenn McGrath, co-founder and President of the McGrath Foundation urges cricket fans to unite in pink by participating in the Virtual Pink Seat campaign during the Pink Test.
 "Sumit Gupta")
