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Ian Healy, the former Australian wicketkeeper, stands firmly behind David Warner’s potential to prolong his Test cricket journey despite speculation surrounding his retirement. Warner’s stellar 164-run contribution in Australia’s commanding victory over Pakistan by 360 runs at Perth’s Optus Stadium has ignited discussions about his future.
Healy praised Warner’s enduring fitness and resilience, highlighting his unwavering speed between wickets and impressive footwork. “What I love about him is his durability. We all know how fit he must be because he’s maintained his pace between wickets. I just love the way that he kept going and his feet moved,” Healy expressed on SEN Radio.
Acknowledging Mitchell Johnson’s recent remarks on retirements, Healy emphasized Warner’s potential to continue for another year if he sustains the form displayed in the recent match. “If he bats like that, he can go another year for mine until he doesn’t want to play anymore. That’s what he’s been missing in Test cricket, that footwork, balance and real bat speed when he needed it.”
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Despite Warner’s dismissal for a duck in the second innings, Healy underscored the impact of his earlier 164, crediting it for setting the tone of the Test. He commented, “That 160 he made in the first innings won us a Test in Perth. It wasn’t easy. I looked at it from afar on Thursday afternoon and I said, ‘Oh, jeez, I wouldn’t like to be Pakistan’.”
Healy highlighted Warner’s ability to excel in challenging conditions, likening it to the performances of Michael Slater and Mark Waugh. He suggested Warner’s outstanding display warranted recognition as the Player of the Match over Mitchell Marsh.
The veteran’s show of strength and impact in the recent Test match has led Healy to advocate for an extended Test tenure for David Warner, challenging perceptions of a potential swansong.