‘Un-Australian’ text emerges as David Warner truth bomb drops

An ugly text message surrounding David Warner’s emphatic performance in Perth has emerged as a truth bomb dropped on Thursday night.

David Warner’s First Test heroics haven’t silenced his critics completely.

The opening batter on Thursday stole the show against Pakistan in Perth with a day one masterclass as Australia reached 5-346 at stumps.

Warner’s knock of 164 was his 26th career Test century — and has guaranteed he will get the fairytale farewell he wants at the SCG in the New Year’s Test.

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Warner walked out to bat on Thursday with his career on the line after spicy comments from Mitchell Johnson where the Ashes destroyer declared Warner was not deserving of a “hero’s farewell” because of his poor form.

Thursday’s performance left Johnson squirming in the Triple M commentary box — but cricket commentators have taken to Twitter to suggest Johnson’s explosive comments are still valid.

David Warner gives critics the finger. Photo by COLIN MURTY / AFP.

David Warner celebrates on reaching a century. AAP Image/Richard Wainwright.

Numbers show Warner largely has Pakistan to thank for extending his career into 2023.

The 37-year-old passed 50 just twice as he averaged 29 with the bat over his 10 Ashes innings this winter.

Overall, he’s averaged just 28.91 with 1243 runs and just one hundred — his Boxing Day double ton in 2022 — in Test match cricket over the last three years.

Damning numbers on Thursday showed, since 2019, Pakistan has been the team that’s saved Warner from the selectors’ axe.

Before his innings yesterday, Warner’s average against Pakistan since 2019 was 109, while his overall batting average in that same period was 36.

It’s why critics are still firing shots, with some suggesting the fiery opener is a “home track bully”.

Warner should thank Pakistan to keep his avg greater than 30 since 2019.

Stats not included this match. pic.twitter.com/mQg5Ng83nO

— SS Nujan - Sivanujan Selvarathinam (@Nujan05) December 14, 2023

David Warner in Test Cricket :
Total Runs - 8590 | At Home - 5249*
Total Century - 26 | At Home - 20
Avg. at Home - 59 | At Away - 32

Failed miserably in Ind, Eng, NZ, SL,WI and averaged in 20s.

But hypocrites won't call him a home track bully. 🤡

Warner is a fraud in test…

— Jyran (@Jyran45) December 14, 2023

I’m glad Warner scored a ton, but is the “proves his critics wrong” storyline really accurate? He’s been critiqued on form for two years and his inability to score away from home. Celebrate the ton, sure, but the “critics” narrative? Please.

— Michael Whiting (@MichaelWhiting) December 14, 2023

Amusing to read that David Warner has “silenced his critics”. Nobody ever doubted Warner’s ability to make runs on a Perth road. His critics lament his inability to make Test runs in England or India, which (IMHO) is the difference between a good and great player. To be fair…

— Joe Aston (@mrjoeaston) December 15, 2023

The numbers have coincided with comments from Aussie Test great Simon O’Donnell showing there has been a cold reaction to Warner’s masterpiece.

O’Donnell said on SEN in Melbourne on Friday morning he received an “un-Australian” text message that suggested fans weren’t applauding Warner when he reached triple figures.

“I had a really disturbing text yesterday,” O’Donnell said.

“I had one of the more un-Australian texts I’ve ever received. It was from a good mate of mine. He was at the pub and David Warner made his hundred and he said not one person cheered or applauded. I thought that was horrible.

“Whether you love him or hate him, what he did yesterday for our country, surely, you’ve got to give him plaudits for that.”

He went on to say: “Yesterday just signed off on his farewell tour and he’ll go to Sydney now.

“You’ve got to wonder continually the times he’s been backed into a corner during his career and he just comes out throwing punches. And he’s done it again. His strength of mind is quite superb.”

Warner said before and after the day’s play that the storm surrounding him wasn’t a bother.

Mitchell Johnson watches David Warner smash boundaries. Photo: Channel 7.

He celebrated his century by briefly putting his hand to his mouth as if shush those calling for his early retirement.

“It’s one of those things, there’s always going to be criticisms,” Warner told Adam Gilchrist heading off the field for the tea break. “No better way to silence it than to put runs on the board.”

Wife Candice had nothing but a “shush” emoji to say to critics, posting an image of her husband celebrating shortly before tea.

🤫 pic.twitter.com/gFbrq3uQWo

— Candice Warner (@CandiceWarner31) December 14, 2023

Warner said after the day’s play the gesture wasn’t directly pointed at Johnson.

“It’s just anyone who wants to write stories about me and, you know, trying to use headlines get headlines, that stuff doesn’t bother me,” he said.

“It’s just the fact that I have to go out there, do what I have to do. And I’m allowed to celebrate how I want.”

While the storm continues to rage, Warner will be at peace that his spot in the team is now guaranteed for the entirety of the Pakistan series.

“It was an outstanding innings,” former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist told Fox Cricket.

“He came out with his characteristic intent, with all sorts of commentary surrounding him leading into the Test.

“He’s continually and consistently fought fire with fire, I was thrilled that he did that.”