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The Times of India
The Times of India
Sport
TOI Sports Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM

'My mum calls him Shaitan...': Usman Khawaja reveals 'special' bond between his mother and David Warner

NEW DELHI: Australia's swashbuckling opener David Warner on Saturday played his career's last Test match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). In an emotional farewell in his Baggy Green, Warner contributed scores of 34 and 57 in the third and concluding Test, helping Australia secure an eight-wicket victory and claim a 3-0 series win against Pakistan.

Following his farewell Test, Warner was greeted with a standing ovation from the SCG crowd. He was also observed sharing a heartfelt hug with Usman Khawaja's mother.

Reflecting on this emotional moment, the left-hander's long-time team-mate Usman Khawaja recalled the strong bond between Warner and his mother.

Khawaja mentioned that Warner holds a special place in his mother's heart and has been given a nickname by her - "Shaitan."

"He (Warner) has known my mum as long as he has known me. And my mum loves him. She calls him Shaitan, Devil, Satan (laughs). My mum loved the fact that he was the devil and it wasn't her son that she could just push it back to Lorraine and Howard (Warner's parents)," Khawaja told Fox Cricket.

1/10:David Warner's Farewell Test: Australia sweep Pakistan 3-0

Getty Images

2/10:Warner's Final Test

David Warner contributed 57 as Australia cantered to their victory target of 130 runs to beat Pakistan by eight wickets and sweep the series 3-0.AP

3/10:Pakistan's losing streak

Pakistan, looking to end a run of 16 successive losses in Australia since 1995, had added 47 runs to their overnight tally at the cost of their final three wickets, to be dismissed for 115.AP

4/10:Guard of Honor for Warner

Warner shared a hug with opening partner and childhood friend Usman Khawaja at the boundary rope and was given a guard of honour by the tourists as he came to the crease.AP

5/10:Warner's Half Century

David Warner brought up his 37th Test half century with a single to square leg.AFP

6/10:Final Ovation

A crowd of more than 24,000 at his home Sydney Cricket Ground rose for a final ovation as David Warner left the fieldGetty Images

7/10:Warner's Career Stats

Warner's innings gave him a career tally of 8,786 Test runs at an average of 44.59, making him the fifth most prolific Australian batsman of all time.AFP

8/10:Marnus Labuschagne's Contribution

Marnus Labuschagne (62 not out) got the world Test champions across the line with a single shortly after Warner's departure.IANS

9/10:Player of the Series: Cummins

Australia captain Pat Cummins was named Player of the Series for a 10-wicket haul in Melbourne and 5-61 in the first innings in Sydney.AP

10/10:Pakistan's Missed Opportunities

Pakistan had only their own batting frailties to blame for missing out on the chance to snap their long losing streak in Australia.AFP
David Warner's Farewell Test: Australia sweep Pakistan 3-0

"Honestly, I just enjoyed batting with him, he attacked the ball, let me play my game. When I finish (my career), we can enjoy playing a round of golf together. Be yourself, you can't try to be someone else, you just can't go out and strike in the 70s (when asked if Warner can be replaced seamlessly)," he added.

Warner, who made his Test debut in 2011 against New Zealand in Brisbane, played 112 Tests and scored 8786 runs at an average of 44.59. He also smashed 26 centuries and 37 fifties in the longest format of the game.

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