Warner hits back at England great’s retirement claim

Warner’s teammate Steve Smith was also floated as a possible retiree if the Aussies can win or draw in London to clinch their first Ashes win in England since 2001.

But speaking to media two days out from the fifth Test, which starts Thursday night, Warner poured cold water on that suggestion.

“No, not at all,” Warner said.

“As a player that doesn’t go through your head (during a series). Going through your head is actually going out there and trying to score as many runs as you can and try and work hard on your game in the nets.

“If you get tapped on the shoulder (dropped from the team), you get tapped on the shoulder.

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“For me, I’ve probably left a few runs out there but in saying that I’ve played a lot better than what I did last time (in England). I’ve got in good positions, I’m looking to score, I’ve had a couple of unlucky dismissals and then dismissals where I’ve tried to negate the swing or the seam and it’s caught the outside edge of the bat.

“So for me, I feel like I’m in a good space, contributed well, and as a batting unit we’re all about partnerships. And I think the partnerships that we’ve had in key moments of this series so far, have actually worked very well for us as a team.”

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Warner endured a nightmare Ashes series in 2019 when he averaged a measly 9.5 across the five Tests.

He then endured a drought of triple-figure scores that stretched for three years, and was finally broken by a double ton against South Africa in December.

That innings no doubt bought him some time with selectors, but his spot in the side was questioned right up to the start of the Ashes series.

He’s passed 20 runs in five of his eight Ashes innings this series, but is still yet to notch a century in England and now The Oval is his last chance to do so.

Australia’s home summer will feature six Tests against Pakistan, West Indies, and South Africa. It’s believed Warner will be afforded the opportunity to end his career on his own terms, although another form slump could force the hand of selectors.

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