Australia cricket legend urges David Warner NOT to retire after stunning knock against Pakistan: 'He can go for another year'

David Warner has been urged to reconsider his retirement plans after his stunning century against Pakistan proved he belongs in Australia's Test team. 

Warner, 37, silenced his critics with a 164-run first innings knock in the Perth Test, emphasising his credentials amid huge debate around his desire for a Sydney swansong.

His former teammate, Mitchell Johnson, said he was undeserving of a farewell party due to his terrible form in recent years, and doubled down on that stance 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 stick around until Australia find his natural heir.  

'That 160 he made in the first innings won us a Test in Perth,' Healy said on SEN Breakfast.

'It wasn't easy. I looked at it from afar on Thursday afternoon and I said, 'Oh, jeez, I wouldn't like to be Pakistan', they are going to feel about a foot shorter than they actually are tomorrow afternoon not knowing how difficult the conditions were.

'Maybe Pakistan missed the trick in the first session (on Day 1), bowling too short, but I don't know of anyone else that can make 160 that quick in tough conditions.

'I like the way Michael Slater made tough second innings batting conditions look. Mark Waugh could also make a mockery out 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 thinks the veteran should look further ahead before winding things down.  

'What I love about him is his durability,' Healy said.

'We all know how fit he must be because he's maintained his pace between wickets.

'I just love the way that he kept going and his feet moved.

'This is the bit I agree about Mitchell Johnson and what he said about, 'Why have a swansong, your last three years hasn't been very good and now you're picking the way you can retire'.

'But if he bats like that, he can go another year for mine until he doesn't want to play anymore.

'That's what he's been missing in Test cricket, that footwork, balance and real bat speed when he needed it.'