David Warner responds to bombshell retirement theory around he and Steve Smith

David Warner has moved to rubbish bombshell suggestions from Michael Vaughan that he and Steve Smith will retire after the fifth Ashes Test. Warner and Smith will likely play their last Test matches on English soil when the series finale kicks off at The Oval on Thursday.

But speaking to Fox Sports on Tuesday, former England captain Vaughan said he'd heard 'whispers' that the Aussie veterans could announce their retirements immediately after the fifth Test. Warner has previously said he will retire after the home Test series this summer, while speculation is rife that Smith will soon hang up the bat as well.

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“The whisper was - and I have no idea where they’re getting this whisper - but that Warner, if he plays at The Oval, it’ll probably be his last," Vaughan said on Tuesday. “Again I’m not too sure where they’ve got that.

"And quite a strong whisper was about Steve Smith that it could be his last time out for Australia at the Oval as well. Again, I’ve not seen that personally, but it’s just the whisper and the gossip.

“It might just be the rain in Manchester that gets people talking. But that was the talk of the press box yesterday that a couple of Australian legends, greats might call it a day at The Oval.”

Cricket Australia and coach Andrew McDonald later shot down the suggestions, and Warner did likewise on Wednesday. The 36-year-old vehemently denied the 'whispers' when fronting the media ahead of Thursday's match.

"And Smithy (is retiring) too apparently. So obviously it's a joke," Warner said. "I won't take that too seriously ... I don't have an announcement."

When asked if he'd considered retiring immediately, Warner replied: "No, not at all. This is about us as a team. And if we win, it's about a team celebrating and that's what we're here for.

"For me it's about winning the series. I came here last time - it was a draw. Hopefully we can go away with a series win and then that'll be a fitting Ashes campaign for us. We're here as a group and we're united and hopefully we can achieve that."

Fellow opener Usman Khawaja recently turned 37, meaning the Aussies will soon be searching for two new batters at the top of the order. As far as Warner is concerned, Matt Renshaw is the man who could potentially take his spot in all formats.

"I've always said Matt Renshaw is a very good player," Warner said. "He can play both formats quite easily. He's tall. He's exactly like Haydos (Matt Hayden). We spoke about him in the early part of his career.

"I've always felt and held him in high regard as a very good player. He's worked on his technique. He's been in and out of the squads, and I think he'll be a great replacement."

Smith and Warner looking to leave legacy in England

Smith is also keeping his cards close to his chest in regards to his future. He said after the fourth Test: "While I am enjoying myself and feel like I can improve and contribute to the team, and feel good about helping the team, then I will keep playing. (What's left to achieve) is not really part of my thinking. I am feeling good at the moment, so no dramas here."

Warner and Smith haven't exactly fired with the bat, with the former passing 50 just once in the series. Smith made 110 in the second Test at Lord's, but hasn't had any other scores above 50.

"I don't think Steve's struggling, I think Steve's batting as well as I've seen him bat over a long period of time," Australia coach McDonald said.

"And sometimes the runs, they don't come at times. There's an element of luck, there's a bit of fortune. But the way he's going about his work and starting his innings, I don't see an issue with Steve Smith. He averages roughly 60 in Test match cricket so we're confident that his best days are in front of him."

McDonald said Warner would be disappointed with her returns. The opener averages 25.6 with no century in 18 Tests in England.

"There's no doubt he'll be disappointed around that," McDonald said. "I'm a big believer that if you can get those 20s and 30s the big score is around the corner. I truly believe that there is an innings there still."

with AAP

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