David Warner Booed by Perth Fans Despite Player of Series Award in Final Home Game
David Warner was named player of the series in Australia’s 2-1 T20 victory over the West Indies, but his final international appearance on home soil ended with a sour note.
As Warner walked to receive his award after Australia’s 37-run loss at Optus Stadium, a small but vocal section of the crowd booed him. This starkly contrasted the standing ovation he received at the SCG following his final Test match in January.
Warner, who confirmed the match would be his last on Australian soil, appeared unfazed. However, commentator Clint Wheeldon criticized the boos. “Whatever you think of Warner,” he said, “booing is not how Australians should farewell a player.”
Warner has been a divisive figure throughout his career, particularly disliked in the West since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. While then-captain Steve Smith received a leadership ban, many fans place the blame on Warner for involving younger teammate Cameron Bancroft.
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At just 25 years old, Bancroft looked poised for a long and successful career with the Australian team. Sadly, his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal appears to have significantly impacted his international cricket aspirations.
Despite the boos, Warner’s performances justified his selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. He scored 70, 22, and 81 in the series, topping Australia’s summer run-scoring across all formats with 472 runs.
During the presentation, Adam Gilchrist asked if Warner had reconsidered his retirement decision. “No,” Warner said definitively. “It’s time for the youngsters to showcase their talent.”
The T20 World Cup will be played in the US and the Caribbean, with Australia’s matches held in the Caribbean. While the boos may have marred his farewell, Warner leaves with a strong individual performance and a clear focus on the future of Australian cricket.
