‘Relieved’ David Warner reunited with prized baggy greens
Source: Instagram/David Warner
A “relieved” David Warner will take the field in his own baggy green one last time after his lost caps were returned to him on Friday.
Warner’s two baggy greens vanished in transit between Melbourne and Sydney this week.
The legendary opener launched an emotional plea for their return this week, claiming on Tuesday they had been stolen from his luggage.
The plea sparked an extensive search, with even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese among those urging for the caps to be returned.
Then came the good news. The missing backpack, with all its contents intact, resurfaced at the Australian team’s hotel.
Just hours ahead of play beginning in day three in the third Test with Pakistan at the SCG, Warner took to Instagram to reveal the caps had been found.
“I am very pleased and relieved to let you all know that my baggy greens have been found, which is great news … It’s a load off my shoulders going into the last couple of days,” Warner said in his video.
“Any cricketer knows how special their cap is and I’ll cherish this for the rest of my life.
“I’m very grateful to all those involved in locating it, the Qantas team, the freight company, the hotel and our own team management.
“I really appreciate it so thank you all.”
The discovery of the missing backpack followed extensive searches and the review of CCTV footage at multiple locations.
“It’s a huge relief David’s cap has been located and a big thank you to everyone who was involved in the search,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.
“We really appreciate it.”
Warner has two baggy greens. Cricket Australia issued him with a new one after his original wore out.
He wore a third during during the first innings of the Sydney Test. He made 34 before tapping a turning Salman Agha delivery into the slips cordon.
Warner is likely to have one more chance to bat for Australia in his 112th and final Test, played at his spiritual home.
But the extent of his time at the crease will depend on Sydney’s weather and Pakistan’s second innings total.
Australia resume at 2-116 on day three after bad light and wet weather washed out the entire third session on Thursday.
Any wet weather is expected to clear by Friday afternoon.
-with AAP