Warner up to family test, starting retirement at home

Every retiring politician and player says they’re going off to spend more time with the family, but David Warner started the rest of his life up early with his wife and children at home.

David and Candice Warner and their daughters at their South Coogee home on Sunday. Picture: Monique Harmer

David Warner spent the first day as a former Test player with his wife and family at home, a little sore after a night of dancing and drinking at one of Sydney’s most exclusive nightclubs.

Every politician and player says they’re going off to spend more time with the family, but in the retiring cricketer’s case, believe every word. Warner started the rest of his life up early with his wife and children at their South Coogee home.

Warner has said travelling has been harder for him in recent years, since his three girls started school and can no longer join him. Few players craved the ­company of their wife and kids like him.

The girls stayed home, however, as Warner, his teammates, some of his new mates, and friends that date back to the old days in ­Matraville, partied in a private room at the Ivy nightclub on Saturday evening.

Pop singer Tones and I performed and, if social media videos posted by his brother Steve are any indication, it was some party. “Last night was unreal, we all had so much fun,” said Warner, who joked that he couldn’t remember if there’d been music. “Was a great night, the boys had so much fun.”

Another guest reported it was a “lively and late night”, the party kicking on into the morning.

Before the farewell, the opener was given the honour of leading his teammates in their victory song after his typically attacking knock of 57.

His innings, and Test career, was terminated by the video ­umpire with victory in sight, but it allowed Warner to exit the stage on his own to a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.

Inside, he was presented with a framed print and a collection of special gins by the team.

Coach Andrew McDonald spoke warmly of the cricketer and his contribution to the Australian team across 112 Test matches.

David and Candice Warner leaving home on Sunday. Warner retired from Test cricket on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/David Swift

Warner spoke about the impact his wife Candice had had on his life and his desire to do the things ordinary families do.

“I was fortunate enough to marry Candice and to have three beautiful daughters is an amazing thing as well, and I cherish them every single day and, you know, we live a very, very nice, simple life at home with the girls and now we enjoy each other’s company all the time,” he said.

“I still learn from her even with her media stuff, she tames me down a bit and looks over my tweets a little bit ­before I send them out. That’s probably why nothing’s been fired out of late. She’s definitely had a massive influence on my career and I’m blessed to have her.”

Former prime minister John Howard and wife Janette praised the Warner family during a recent exclusive interview with The Australian. “He is a very hands-on and dedicated parent which is impressive,” Mr Howard said.