Only Virender Sehwag has been more damaging than David Warner as an opener: Greg Chappell

In what is slated to be his farewell Test match, former Australia captain Greg Chappell has showered praise on opener David Warner. Set to retire after the ongoing Pakistan Test series, Warner will bid adieu to Test cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground – a venue he calls home.

Chappell, expressing his sentiments lauded Warner as the second most destructive opener in the modern era, surpassed only by India's Virender Sehwag. With a remarkable strike rate of 70.3, Warner has amassed 8695 runs from 111 Test matches.

"David will never live down the 'Sandpaper Gate' incident. That scar on Australian cricket needs to be owned by a lot more people than Warner and Bancroft. Warner’s role in the success of Australian cricket during his time cannot be underestimated. In the modern era, only Virender Sehwag has been more damaging than Warner as an opener," Chappell said in his column for the Sydney Morning Herald.

He further emphasized the impact of a destructive opener, urging selectors to find a replacement with similar abilities to preserve Australia's unique advantage.

The impact of a destructive opener can never be overestimated, and I strongly believe that the selectors must look for someone with similar abilities to replace Warner or risk giving away the unique advantage that Australia has enjoyed for the past decade," he added.

Warner commenced the Pakistan series with a stellar 164, positioning Australia favourably. Despite a quieter second Test, Warner aims to conclude his Test career on a high note, especially after a public dispute with Mitchell Johnson.

While Johnson criticised Cricket Australia for granting Warner a farewell Test without a public apology for the Sandpaper Gate controversy, Chappell defended the decision. Acknowledging Warner's contributions, Chappell hoped for a fond farewell in Sydney, recognizing the opener's unparalleled passion, energy, professionalism, and competitiveness throughout his 111 Tests.

"I know how hard it is to do what he has done through 111 Tests, so I hope that David’s harshest critics acknowledge his talent and contribution and forgive his human frailties. I hope Sydney farewells David Warner fondly next week. Whatever one thinks of him, David Warner has been fantastic for Australian cricket," Chappell wrote.

"The passion, energy, professionalism and competitiveness that he has brought to every contest have been unmatched. He must accept that he has allowed himself to be portrayed in a certain manner," he concluded.