Published 15:36 IST, July 25th 2023
Michael Vaughan reveals Steve Smith and David Warner might announce Test retirement soon
Michael Vaughan dropped a bombshell while talking about the speculations of Steve Smith and David Warner retiring after they play the 5th Ashes Test.
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Australia has retained the Ashes series in 2023 after the 4th Test at Manchester’s Old Trafford, when the final day was washed out due to rain. England’s strong efforts of winning the 3rd Test at Headingley went in vain, as the rain Gods did not allow them to display their power on the final day.
3 things you need to know
- Australia lead the Ashes series by 2-1
- The Final Test will be played at the Oval
- Australia could win their 1st Ashes series on English soil
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David Warner and Steve Smith rumoured to retire from Test cricket
(Steve Smith and David Warner in action for Australian Cricket Team, Image-AP)
According to former England captain Michael Vaughan, there have been rumours that Steve Smith and David Warner may retire from Test cricket after the forthcoming match at the Oval.
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Steve Smith scored his 32nd Test century on June 29, 2023, during the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord's Cricket Ground. This incredible achievement put him on par with former skipper Steve Waugh, who holds the record for the most Test hundreds by an Australian. Smith's century in that match was also his 12th in the Ashes series, tying him with Jack Hobbs for the second-most tonnes, in this illustrious rivalry. Don Bradman still holds the all-time record of 19 centuries against England in the Ashes.
David Warner, on the other hand, had a less-than-stellar performance on this tour in England. The 36-year-old's performances in Leeds and Manchester were uneven and disappointing. Warner has previously stated his decision to retire in the new year, while many believe that this Ashes series in England will be Smith's final. To add to the drama, Michael Vaughan made an unexpected disclosure on Fox Sports, revealing that he has heard rumours that both Smith and Warner may consider retiring after the match at the Oval.
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Also Read: 'Always Dreamt To Win': Cummins Aims To Take The Series By 3-1 Despite Retaining The Ashes
What did Michael Vaughan state about the Australian stars?
Talking on Fox Sports, he stated:
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Well it’s always the case on a rainy day when the journalists get a bit bored, and you start talking to a few,
But 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.
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.
However, England vs Australia, 5th and Final Test will be played on July 27, 2023 at Kennington Oval, London, as England has failed to win the series since 2015. But they will be eyeing to defend their ODI World champion title in October as India hosts the ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
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15:36 IST, July 25th 2023