David Warner’s ‘shush’ celebration after reaching his 26th Test ton on day one of the Perth Test against Pakistan was directed towards the media, the left-hander confirmed after the end of the day’s play.
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Warner, who is likely to retire after the New Year’s Test in SCG, scored a fine 164 on day one against Pakistan, reaching the three-figure mark for the first time since December 2022. He hit 16 fours and four sixes against the touring team that went in without any specialist spinners, with two quicks making their Test debuts.
Warner took 125 balls for his Test ton, getting to the landmark with a four in the fifth ball of the 43rd over sent down by Aamer Jamal. The short and wide delivery was cut over slips by Warner, who celebrated in trademark fashion upon reaching the milestone, jogging across, removing his helmet and leaping in the air.
He then turned around towards the press box and made a shushing gesture, which the opener admitted was intentional. Subject to excess scrutiny following his lean patch, Warner was also criticised by Mitchell Johnson recently for not owning his role in the ball-tampering saga and for picking his retirement date.
A statement innings on Day One at Perth from David Warner 🤫#AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/QjBUUTKKBT
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 14, 2023
Speaking to reporters after the game, Warner said: “You saw what it was – it was a nice little quiet shush. [It was directed at] Just at anyone who wants to write stories about me and try to get headlines. That stuff doesn’t bother me.
“I’m allowed to celebrate how I want.”
The 37-year-old insisted he didn’t have a point to prove to anyone on a day he surpassed Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke to become the fifth-highest run-scorer for Australia in the format. “I am getting older, so your games are limited. It’s probably game-by-game now. If I fail the next innings, there will probably be headlines.
“If people are out to get you, or make a headline from your name, then so be it. I can’t worry about that, I’m going to worry about what I’m going to do for the team. I’ve got to keep scoring runs and putting my team in a great position.”
Australia finished the day on 346-5 from 84 overs.
