David Warner to fly via helicopter to make BBL return in Sydney Smash

David Warner has officially retired from Test and one day cricket, but will take only days off before returns to the SCG - and will be arriving in the most spectacular fashion possible.

David Warner left the SCG for the final time in Test cricket feeling the love he’s always craved, but plans to return to his field of dreams for an encore via helicopter in six days’ time.

The retiring champion choked back tears as he thanked fans for giving him the fairytale farewell, as he made a matchwinning 50 in the triumphant eight-wicket victory over Pakistan before being embraced on-field by wife Candice, his children, family and 24,220 Sydney fans.

Warner revealed he will retire from all international cricket after the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup in June and outlined an ambition to one-day move into coaching.

But before then, Warner is plotting a dramatic return to the SCG for the Thunder in Friday night’s Sydney Smash against the Sixers, with plans to charter a helicopter from his brother’s afternoon Hunter Valley wedding to SCG in time for the first ball.

“I’ve got a couple of aircraft booked pending weather,” Warner said.

“I can’t remember how long the reception or the wedding party (goes for) … it’s a fine line.

“I think it’s about a 45 minute drive from Cessnock. It might be tight but I’m trying my best to try and make it work for that day.”

David Warner with wife Candace and kids Ivy, Indi and Isla, after his last Test. Picture: Julian Andrews

Warner is looking forward to an encore in front of a packed out SCG on Friday up against Steve Smith, as he got emotional reflecting on the fan support he received this week, despite an at times tumultuous career that has polarised public opinion.

“It meant the world to me. You know, I’ve given absolutely everything to play this game and to sacrifice a lot of things to be in the position that I am. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs through my career. I’ve had to comeback and overcome adversity. I’ve done that I think very, very well,” Warner said.

“I think it’s been well received from a lot of people and I think today just showed to me that I do have a lot of support. And I’m very, very grateful for that and very thankful for that.

“Because as I said, I’ve got a lot of passion, a lot of pride wearing this baggy green and going out there and playing for Australia.

“It’s a privileged position. It’s one I don’t take for granted.

“I just want every kid out there to keep focusing on playing Test cricket, and aspire to get this baggy green because it is the pinnacle of our sport.”

On a momentous day where ‘Thanks Davey’ was etched on the outfield in chalk as well as a picture of his signature century celebration leap, players from both teams and fans paid special tribute to the 112-Test wonder who redefined Test match batting forever.

Warner’s lengthy Test career came to a close in style in Sydney. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Opening partner and childhood friend Usman Khawaja pushed Warner to the verge of tears before they took to the middle for the last time, sharing one last, passionate embrace.

“He said it’s been an awesome journey and one that he won’t ever forget. And we will cherish these moments forever,” Warner said.

“I didn’t have anything to go back with him because I was tearing up.”

When Khawaja was trapped lbw in the first over to leave Australia 1-0 needing 130 to win on a tricky SCG pitch, it set the stage for Warner (57) return to his halcyon days.

Warner killed the contest within a few overs of his signature aggressive stroke play, with Marnus Labuschagne riding in his slip stream and making a brilliant 62 not out of his own.

The 37-year-old paid an emotional tribute to his wife Candice for changing his life and making him the cricketing great he became.

David Warner embraces Steve Smith as he leaves the field one last time. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

“Early doors, I probably didn’t understand what it was about to be an athlete at this level. I was burning the candle at both ends. She actually didn’t understand how we drank so much as cricketers,” Warner said.

“She was getting up at four in the morning and me thinking she’s crazy. It literally took probably four or five days before I started getting up at five and started doing things.

“I got a lot fitter, I was hungrier, more determined.

“I owe her a lot of credit for that and where I’ve ended up now at 37 years of age.

“She’s definitely had a massive influence on my career and I’m blessed to have her.”

Originally published as David Warner to fly via helicopter to make BBL return in Sydney Smash