Ricky Ponting has urged David Warner to battle through his recent form slump and believes the champion opener deserves to go out on his own terms.
The 36-year-old was dismissed for a golden duck in the first innings against South Africa, adding to his disappointing performances against a poor West Indies side in the recent two-game series.
Warner's name has been in the headlines plenty in recent weeks, with his decision to withdraw an appeal to have his captaincy ban overturned causing plenty of headaches for the left-hander, his family and Cricket Australia.
With a massive 2023 on the horizon, including away series against both India and England, many are calling for Warner to be axed and allow the Aussies to move in a new direction at the top of the order.
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But speaking on Channel 7 during the coverage of Australia's clash with the Proteas, Ponting said that Warner deserves to go out on his own volition as opposed to being dropped from the side.
"He is a champion player, you never write off champion players, ever," he said.
"He is going through a lean trot now, we all want to see him scoring runs. When he finishes, he deserves to go out on his terms. He has been a magnificent stalwart for Australian cricket.
"That is the most disappointing thing for David. He got those 20s, and got the starts against the West Indies and didn't go on when everyone else at the top made the most of a weak West Indian side.
"He deserves the chance to finish the way he wants to finish. I would hate to see him get to an Indian tour or at the start of the Ashes tour and then get the tap on the shoulder.
"That would be a disappointing way for his career to end."
Ponting had his own form slump in the latter stages of his Test career, going over two-and-a-half years without a century before finally breaking through against India in January 2012 at the SCG.
That knock allowed Ponting to prolong his international career a little longer, and all cricket fans know that runs are currency in the sport - something Warner is desperate for.
Aussie great Mark Waugh admitted that the big-hitting opener is continuing to make similar mistakes following his dismissal at the hands of Kagiso Rabada.
“David Warner just took his eye off the ball and he’s paid the price,” he said on Fox Cricket.
“Nothing’s gone David Warner’s way – he keeps making mistakes and keeps paying a high price.
“It was nasty enough – but once you take your eye off it, anything can happen.”
Warner will get another opportunity to bat during the first Test in Brisbane, with all eyes likely to be fixed on the legendary batsman as the pressure continues to mount.