Aussie cricket great reveals 'horrible' reaction to David Warner's ton in first Test

David Warner's 26th Test century may have silenced some of his critics but it also exposed a brutal truth for the veteran Aussie cricket star. The 37-year-old came into day one of the first Test against Pakistan in Perth under pressure and an intense media spotlight, but emerged the hero for the Aussies after blasting 164 off 211 balls to help guide Australia to 5-346.

The veteran batter raised a finger to his lips after notching his milestone in a pointed gesture to shut up his many critics such as Mitchell Johnson, whose spray towards Warner lit the fuse for what is the 37-year-old's farewell Test series. Johnson had suggested Warner did not deserve his place in the side after a lean couple of years, let alone a hero's send-off in the third Test at the SCG.

NEW STAND: Usman Khawaja's eye-opening move after ICC imposes ban

'NOT ANYMORE': Kerry O'Keeffe complaint smacked down before Test

Warner's sensational ton against Pakistan has all but guaranteed he'll get his wish for a Sydney farewell, but a revelation from former Australian cricket star Simon O’Donnell indicates many fans agree with Johnson when it comes to the opener. O’Donnell told SEN on Friday morning that he received an “un-Australian” text message about Warner moments after his 26th Test century, that sums up how many Aussie fans feel about the 37-year-old.

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

David Warner accused of being a 'home track bully'

Warner has often been a polarising figure for many Aussie fans and his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal only exacerbated the situation. Other critics have frequently pointed to his unflattering Test record overseas compared to his superb record in Australia, accusing the opener of being a "home track bully".

In Test matches over the last three years, Warner has averaged less than 30 with the bat, while his century against Pakistan in Perth was just his second Test ton over that period. Warner averaged just 29 this year's Ashes series and only managed one score above 50 in his 10 innings in England, causing critics to sharpen their knives.

In fact, Pakistan has been the one side that has perhaps extended the veteran's Test career, with Warner consistently performing against the men from the subcontinent. While his overall batting average since 2019 has only been around 36, the opener's average against Pakistan over that period has been a staggering 109. That's before Thursday's stunning century in Perth is taken into account.

David Warner answers critics with runs

Warner is used to the backlash and has a habit of rising to the occasion when his back is against the wall - just like he did on Thursday. The 37-year-old boldly declared, "I ain't leaving", after his sensational knock all but ensured his spot in Australia's XI for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, followed by his home farewell at the SCG.

"If people are out to get you or make a headline from your name, then so be it," Warner said. "I can't worry about that. I've got to worry about what I've got to do for the team - keep scoring runs and putting the team in a great position.

"I don't feel any extra pressure, I don't feel any other points I have to prove.... You've still got to score runs. It's up to the selectors. If they want to keep continuing to pick me, I ain't leaving."

with agencies

Sign up to our newsletter and score the biggest sport stories of the week.