David Warner - The Best Left Handed Batsman Ever?

Cricket has seen some legendary left handed batters who have graced the sport with their batting technique and ability. Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Chris Gayle, Saurav Ganguly are only some of the greatest left handed batters. But if there's one player in modern cricket, who can be argued to be the best left handed batter ever, it has to be the Australian David Warner. David Warner has been a prolific run getter for the Australian Cricket team and their star opening batsman since more than a decade. 

So, in this article by ZAP, let's look at David Warner's Career, his stats and why he should be considered the best left handed batsman ever. 

David Warner's Early Life and Domestic Cricket Career 

David Warner was born on 27 October, 1986. He Attended Matraville Public School and Randwick Boys High School. He made his first grade debut for Eastern Suburbs club at the age of 15. He was consistent with his scores and that helped him to easily climb up the ranks. In the 2008-09 season, he made his first class debut for New South Wales and then he became the highest Australian one day domestic scorer-197 runs off 141 balls. Later, he was picked for the U19 Australian team which toured to Sri Lanka.

National team selectors were very impressed with his aggressive style of batting and sharp fielding. After that, It was a matter of time, and Warner soon earned his baggy green and made his debut for the Australian Cricket Team. 

David Warner's International Cricket Career - Debut, Stats and Trophies

Warner made his T20 debut 11 January, 2009 V South Africa and within a span of a week he made his ODI debut as well, on 18 January, 2009 V South Africa only. He was the first Australian Cricketer in 132 years to get selected for the national team without any experience in first class cricket.

Everything was going well for the young Warner. But it took him quite some time to get a call for the longest format. He made his first test appearance on 1 December, 2011 V New Zealand and that is when he officially received his Baggy Green. 

Warner had a successful career as he was a consistent opener for Australia across all the three formats. His style of batting truly represented the Australian mindset of showing no mercy. He was a crucial member in the Australian team that won the 2015 Cricket World Cup, 2021 T20 World Cup, 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was Player of the tournament in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where he scored 289 runs in 7 matches. 

He had a short stint as skipper as well. He led the Australian ODI team thrice and won all the matches then. In T20, he led the team in 9 matches and won 8 out of them. 

David Warner - The Ball tampering scandal and Ban

In 2018, a test match was being played between Australia and South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town. Cameron Bancroft was found using sandpaper to tamper the leather ball. Later, it came out that captain Steve Smith, Vice Captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were responsible for the unacceptable act. Hence, all the three had to bear consequences. 

Warner was banned from playing international cricket for one year and from any leadership duties permanently, as he was caught in a ball tampering scandal. 

David Warner's Retirement from Tests and T20Is

After the early exit of the Australian team in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, Warner decided to hang his boots. He announced his retirement from T20Is on June 25, 2024. Prior to that, he had played his retirement test match on 3 January, 2024 V Pakistan. He hasn't retired from the ODI format yet, but the Australian Board has made it clear that they wont be considering him for the upcoming Champions Trophy Tournament. 

Also Read: Upcoming ICC Tournaments

David Warner - Stats, Runs and Centuries

Warner has been a prolific run scorer all throughout his career across all formats of the game. In Tests, he has played 112 matches, scoring 8786 runs at an average of 44.59, with a highest score of 335* and 26 centuries. In ODIs, Warner has featured in 161 matches, scoring 6932 runs with an average of 45.30, a top score of 179, and 22 centuries. In T20Is, he has played in 110 matches, scoring 3277 runs at an average of 33.43, with one century and 28 half-centuries. Overall, Warner's total runs across all formats stand at 18,995, with 49 centuries and 98 half-centuries, underscoring his status as one of modern cricket's leading batsmen.

David Warner - IPL Career, Stats and Runs

David Warner is one of the most loved overseas players in the IPL. He has been very consistent with his performance in this tournament and has even won the Orange Cap thrice. He is undoubtedly the most successful overseas batsman in the IPL. His stats here are just a testament of the versatility his batting possesses. 

In 2009, Warner started his IPL journey with Delhi Daredevils which ended in 2013. Later in 2014, he was not retained by DD and hence, he was picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad. From 2014-2021 Warner played for SRH and even led the side and helped them grab the silverware in 2016. 

In total, he has played 184 matches, scoring 6565 runs at an average of 40.52. His highest score is 126 against Kolkata Knight Riders.

He has registered 4 tons and 62 half centuries by his name. His IPL future is ambiguous as of now, since he has taken retirement from international cricket. However, Indian fans would love to see him in action. 

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