As the three-match series against Pakistan unfolds, all eyes are on David Warner, marking what is anticipated to be the Australian opener’s farewell to Test cricket. At 37, Warner has signaled his intention to step away from the five-day format after the third Test at his cherished Sydney Cricket Ground early next year. Despite being a stalwart of the Australian team for over a decade, Warner’s Test form is now under intense scrutiny, having managed just one century since early 2020.

Former teammate Mitchell Johnson has questioned the narrative of Warner receiving a “hero’s send-off,” particularly considering his recent struggles in Test cricket. In a candid newspaper column, Johnson raised the question,

“Can somebody please tell me why?”

He also revisited Warner’s central role in the infamous “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

While chief selector George Bailey affirmed that Warner has rightfully earned his place in the squad for the opening Test in Perth, there are no assurances beyond that, placing Warner under the spotlight to deliver if he seeks an emotional farewell in Sydney.

Coach Andrew McDonald acknowledged the ongoing speculation, stating,

“Davey’s playing the first Test match and we’ll go from there.”

As Pat Cummins’ side take on the role of strong favourites against Pakistan, commencing their defence of the World Test Championship, Warner’s contributions become pivotal.

Having triumphed in the World Test Championship, retained the Ashes, and clinched the one-day World Cup last month, Australia aims to extend its triumphant run with Warner as the leading scorer.

In contrast, Pakistan faces an uphill battle, having won only four Tests in Australia since 1956-7 and none since 1995. McDonald observed Pakistan’s transition to coaching staff and management, anticipating a more up-tempo brand of play to exert pressure on the bowling.

As Lyon inches closer to joining the elite 500-wicket club, Pakistan’s challenge extends beyond mere competition; they aim to secure victory, as emphasized by team director Mohammad Hafeez. Despite tumultuous World Cup and off-field chaos, the squad, now under Shan Masood’s leadership after Babar Azam’s resignation, is brimming with new faces, including uncapped talents like Khurram Shahzad, Saim Ayub, and Aamer Jamal.

As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the drama on the field, wondering if Warner can make a resounding statement in what might be his Test farewell and how Pakistan’s new faces will fare against Australia’s formidable lineup.

Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (capt), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Agha Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Australia squad: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Cameron Green, Lance Morris.