'I don't have an announcement' - David Warner dismisses retirement rumours on eve of final Ashes Test 2023

David Warner (Source: Twitter)

Australia opener David Warner has dismissed rumours that he will retire after the final Ashes Test starting on Thursday, July 26 at The Oval. The veteran cricketer has been under scrutiny for a couple of years owing to his poor form. He has also not been at his best in the ongoing Ashes 2023, adding further fuel to his retirement speculations.

Although Australia retained the Ashes by taking a 2-1 lead with one game remaining in the series, Warner made no significant contributions. The southpaw managed just one half-century and was a regular victim of England pacer Stuart Broad. Former England captain Michael Vaughan is among those who believed that Warner might play his last Test match at The Oval.

However, Warner, who previously stated that he would retire after playing against Pakistan in Sydney next summer, kept his word and laughed off the ongoing rumours. "I haven't seen anything…I don't have an announcement," he said.

"I've probably left a few out there, but in saying that I've played a lot better than what I did last time. I'm looking to score. I've had a couple of unlucky dismissals and then been dismissed where I've tried to negate the swing or the seam and it's caught the outside edge of the bat," Warner was quoted as saying by ESPN Cricinfo.

The 36-year-old has confirmed he will hang up his boots after next summer's three-match home series against Pakistan. "I won't be playing any further Test cricket after Pakistan. You have my word," Warner said.

Hopefully, we can go away with a series win: Warner 

The former Australia Test vice-captain said that he is working hard in the nets and if he is selected for the final Test, he will try to contribute better to help his team win the series.

"For me it's about trying to work hard in the nets as I did today and if selected, go out there and play and try and win an Ashes series. I came here last time and it was a draw. Hopefully, we can go away with a series win and then that'll be a fitting Ashes campaign for us and a fitting tour over here in England with the World Test Championship as well," he added.