Retired Australia opener David Warner opened up on how his wife Candice helped him bring in discipline and transforming him into better athlete following the conclusion of three-match Test series against Australia in Sydney on Friday, January 6.
Warner officially retired from Test and ODI cricket after Australia's eighth-wicket win over Pakistan in the SCG Test. The 37-year-old had an emotional after walking off the field for the one last time. After the match, Warner reunited with his wife and three daughters.
Speaking to reporters after his farewell Test, Warner admitted that he didn't understand what it was about to be athlete at this level during his early years of playing. The Southpaw also said that his wife didn't understand the drinking habit that has been prevalent in Australia dressing room He added that how Candice encouraged him to put self-pride and ambitions before any social activities.
"Early doors, I didn't understand what it was about to be an athlete at this level. I was burning the candle at both the ends. She (Candice Warner) didn't understand how much we drank as cricketers. I said cricket was like in that back in the day and sort of it's something you do at the end of day's play". The 37-year-old said.
"Coming from an individual based athlete with Ironwoman, you have got put your self-pride and ambitions first before any social activities." he added.
David Warner's wife stood like a rock for him throughout his playing years and was there by his side during tough times. During the 2018 Sandpaper Scandal in South Africa, Candice Warner didn't leave her cricketer husband's side. Warner has often credited his wife for supporting him throughout his career.
'Candice definitely had a massive influence' - Warner
David Warner credited his wife Candice for having a massive influence on his cricketing career. The southpaw also admitted that he had no choice but to listen to his wife even though all his teammates drank.
"She trained the house down from day dot when she was getting up at four in the morning and me thinking she’s crazy. It literally took probably four or five days before I got up at five or certainly a little bit longer and I got up and started doing things." Warner said.
"We live a very very nice simple life at home with the girls. We enjoy each other’s company all the time. I still learn from her, even with her media stuff. She definitely had a massive influence on my career. I'm blessed" he added
David Warner's Test career came to an end after scoring a spirited 57 off 75 balls. Pakistan spinner Sajid Khan denied the Australian opener to score winning runs in final innings in whites.
