- David Warner has been urged not to retire
- He is destined for a swan song in Sydney
- Ian Healy thinks he should keep playing
David Warner has been urged to reconsider his retirement plans after his stunning century against Pakistan proved he belongs in the Australian Test team.
Warner, 37, silenced his critics with a 164-run first innings knock in the Perth Test, highlighting his credentials amid a huge debate surrounding his desire for a swan song in Sydney.
His former teammate, Mitchell Johnson, said he did not deserve a farewell party due to his terrible form in recent years, and doubled down on that view after Warner was dismissed for a duck in his second innings.
But cricket legend Ian Healy believes there can be no doubt that Warner belongs at the top of the order alongside Usman Khawaja.
The former wicketkeeper even claimed that Warner should stay until Australia find their natural heir.
David Warner has been urged to continue playing after this summer
Warner hit an incredible innings of 164 runs in Australia's first Test win over Pakistan
“That 160 he made in the first innings got us a Test in Perth,” Healy said on SEN Breakfast.
'It wasn't easy. I watched it from a distance on Thursday afternoon and said, 'Oh dear, I wouldn't like to be Pakistan', they will feel about a foot shorter tomorrow afternoon than they actually are, not knowing how difficult the conditions were.
“Maybe Pakistan missed the trick in the first session (on Day 1) because the bowling was too short, but I don't know anyone else who can make 160 so quickly in tough conditions.
“I like the way Michael Slater made the tough batting conditions look in the second innings. Mark Waugh could also make fun of tough conditions, but David Warner was outstanding.”
That knock has all but secured Warner's place in the team for the next two Tests, but Healy believes the veteran should look further ahead before wrapping things up.
“What I like about him is his durability,” Healy said.
“We all know how fit he must be because he has kept his pace between the wickets.
“I just like the way he kept going and his feet were moving.
Ian Healy says Warner should stay until Australia finds his successor
“Here's the bit I agree with about Mitchell Johnson and what he said about, 'Why a swan song, your last three years haven't been very good and now you're choosing the way to retire.'
'But if he hits like that, he can go for another year before mine, until he doesn't want to play anymore.
'That's what he was missing in Test cricket, that footwork, balance and real bat speed when he needed it.'