- Warner is playing in the final Test series
- Has been criticized for organizing his own farewell
- He is a challenging barrel, but has still attracted negative reactions
David Warner's recent century in the first Test against Pakistan served as a defiant statement against retirement calls – but according to a major cricketer, some Australians are so out of touch with the star that they refused to celebrate the ton.
Former Test and ODI star Simon O'Donnell claimed no one in an Australian pub clapped or cheered when the opening batsman raised his hundred in Perth on Thursday.
The polarizing opening batsman attracted vitriol from former teammate Mitchell Johnson in the build-up to the Pakistan Series, with the former pace bowler slamming his staged retirement.
Warner's century in Perth was the early highlight of the cricketing summer, but not everyone was cheering for the polarizing star, according to an Australian great of the game
Simon O'Donnell said he was shocked by the 'terrible' message he received about the reaction to Warner's incredible knock of 164 on Thursday
Johnson also hit out at the 'hero's farewell' Warner received despite his role in the biggest scandal Australian cricket has ever seen in Sandpapergate.
Many Aussies backed Johnson's stance but Warner remained mute and let his bat do the talking with a trademark century at Optus Stadium and a 'shoosh' response to those who had let him down.
His wife Candice Warner shared the same sentiment on social media, using a shoosh emoji.
While Warner's fans feel vindicated, the ton has done little to silence his detractors, with former Test star Simon O'Donnell revealing the 'terrible' private message he received about the retiring star.
O'Donnell believes Australians should respect Warner, whether they like him or not
The commentator said he was shocked when he received the message about Warner which he said was “un-Australian”.
“I received a very disturbing text message yesterday,” O'Donnell said.
“I had one of the more un-Australian texts I've ever received. It was from a good friend of mine. He was in the pub and David Warner was making his hundred and he said no one was cheering or clapping. I thought that was terrible.
“Whether you love him or hate him, what he did for our country yesterday, you should certainly commend him for that.”
He continued: “Yesterday he just signed his farewell tour and he's heading to Sydney now.
'You constantly have to wonder how many times he's been backed into a corner during his career and just comes out throwing punches. And he did it again. His strength of mind is extremely great.'
Warner remains defiant in the face of critics who continue to condemn him despite a drought-induced century against Pakistan
Warner has also come in for a lot of criticism online, being labeled as a bully who will end his career without significant scores in England or India.
“If there were ever a 'Flat Track Bully' Hall of Fame, David Warner would be the first person inducted,” said one commenter.
But Warner does not let the criticism get to him.
“If people are out to get you or make a headline out of your name, then so be it,” Warner said after day one of the first Test.
'I can't worry about that. I have to worry about what I have to do for the team: keep scoring points and putting the team in a great position.
'I don't feel any extra pressure, I don't feel any other points to prove.'