Australia opener David Warner opened up on his unique hundred celebration that went viral on Thursday, December 14 after he brought up a sensational century on Day 1 of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth. Warner silenced his critics with a daddy hundred in the first of what is set to be his farewell series. It was Warner’s 6th hundred against one of his favourite foes as he tore into the Pakistan bowling line-up.
David Warner was understandably emotional as he was charged up during his celebration after getting to the three-figure score. Warner took off his helmet and punched the air in delight in his trademark celebration. However, he then continued his gestures and put a finger on his lips which has been famously dubbed as the “shush celebration”.
Australia vs Pakistan, 1st Test Day 1: Highlights
The Optus Stadium crowd was up on its feet as it gave David Warner a standing ovation for starting his farewell series on a high. Warner hit 4 sixes and 16 boundaries for his 164 as the former opener went after the Pakistan bowlers from the word go after Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to field. Warner and Usman Khawaja shared a 126-run opening stand and Warner did the bulk of the scoring. Even as his partners were getting starts and falling, Warner kept going at full tilt and hit a daddy hundred.
Warner was under considerable pressure as there were questions over his place in the XI for the first Test against Pakistan. Former Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson went after Warner, asking why the veteran opener was allowed to choose his farewell date amid his dip in form in red-ball cricket. Johnson also brought up the ball-tampering scandal from 2017 and said that Warner has been at the center of some of the biggest scandals in Australian cricket.
“You saw what it was – it was a nice little quiet shush. Just at anyone who wants to write stories about me and try to get headlines. That stuff doesn’t bother me,” Warner told the host broadcaster when asked whom the shush celebration was directed at.
“I’m allowed to celebrate how I want,” he added.
Warner played down the chatter around Mitchell Johnson’s explosive column, saying: “Mitch is entitled to his opinion, he’s a former player.”
Warner is all set to retire at the end of the ongoing Test series as the series finale will be held at his home ground – the Sydney Cricket Ground in the New Year.
“I don’t feel any extra pressure, I don’t feel (like I have) any other points I have to prove. I am getting older, so your games are limited. It’s probably game-by-game now. If I fail next innings, there will probably be headlines,” he added.
Warner’s thunderous knock helped Australia reach 346 for 5 at Stumps on Day 1. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey are the two overnight batters who will be looking to pile more pressure on Pakistan on Friday.
