Former coach’s brutal shutdown of Warner’s legacy

January 9, 2024 Sports 5 Views

Former Australian coach John Buchanan has shut down the widespread appraisal of David Warner, claiming the retiring Test star isn’t in the conversation alongside the country’s all-time greats.

The veteran opener bowed out with a match-winning 57 against Pakistan and helped secure a series whitewash for the Aussies, ending a lengthy career in the baggy green.

Warner amassed over 8,700 runs during his time in the Test lineup, scoring 26 centuries, while also dominating in the ODI arena in the green and gold.

READ MORE: Johnson takes aim at selectors amid Warner debate

READ MORE: Tigers swing the axe as new era continues to form

READ MORE: How Smith bombshell changed post-Warner battle

But according to Buchanan, who oversaw one of the national side’s most successful periods between 1999 and 2007, the left-hander fails to compare to other iconic stars.

David Warner walks back to the changerooms at the SCG after his final Test match. (Getty)

”I don’t think so,” he said on SEN when quizzed on Warner’s legacy as a great.

“I think he’s certainly performed exceptionally well throughout this career. His averages are reasonable compared to all those in the various formats, his strike rate is obviously higher because of the way he plays the game.

2023-24 Summer of Cricket in pictures: David Warner chokes back tears in ’emotional’ tribute to his family

“On performance base, he’s right up there – but greats of the game, in my opinion, are people that really do and have done something exceptional that others just can’t match.”

Warner sits among the country’s all-time leading run-scorers in all three formats, but his performances overseas compared to on home soil have always been a topic of debate.

Buchanan would further explain his stance on Warner, pointing out three former players that can be recognised as greats of the game.

David Warner raises the bat during his final Test match for Australia. (Getty)

“You automatically go to the (Don) Bradmans, (Glenn) McGraths, (Shane) Warnes, they’re the greats in my opinion,” he said.

“Others come close, but are just not in that category and I don’t see Warner in that category.”

Warner will continue to play franchise cricket across the globe and is expected to feature in Australia’s T20 World Cup campaign later this year.