David Warner is not considered one of the “greats of the game”: John Buchanan

After participating in the third and final Test match in Sydney against Pakistan, David Warner ended an incredible career in the sport. Although he has stepped down from ODIs, he has made himself accessible in case Australia needs him to make a comeback in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

With an average of 44.60 from 112 tests, the 37-year-old finished with 8,786 runs. In the game’s longest format, he finished with an amazing strike rate of 70.20 because of his aggressive batting.  With 2,894 runs at an average of 32.89 and a strike rate of 141.31, the little hitter is one game away from appearing in 100 Twenty20 international matches.

At an average of 45.01 and a strike rate of 97.26, David Warner scored 6,932 runs in 161 one-day internationals.

But according to former Australia head coach John Buchanan, players like Don Bradman, Glenn McGrath, and Shane Warne are the right people to be referred to as “greats,” not David Warner.

“When asked if Warner was “great,” I don’t think so.” I believe he has done remarkably well in his career, having amassed over 8,000 runs from over 100 Test matches, over 160 one-dayers, and almost 100 Twenty20s. Considering that he plays a different style of game than everyone else, his strike rate is clearly higher, even though his averages are still fair. Speaking on SEN Breakfast, the 70-year-old stated, “On a performance basis, he’s right up there.”

“However, the people who truly accomplish and have accomplished something extraordinary that others simply cannot equal are, in my opinion, the greats of the game. For this reason, you have to go to the likes of Don Bradman, Glenn McGrath, and Shane Warnes; they are the best. I don’t see Warner in that category, and some are kind of close, but not quite,” Buchanan continued.

Among the best-performing coaches in cricket history is Buchanan. He coached Australia to two titles in the ODI World Cup (2003) and 2007 as well as the Champions Trophy (2006). There is no doubting that Warner has left large shoes to fill, even though his greatness may be disputed in the years to come.

In a two-match Test series, Australia will welcome the West Indies. The first game is scheduled to start in Adelaide on Wednesday, January 17. Who Usman Khawaja walks out with to open for the Pat Cummins-led team will be interesting to watch.