Emotional David Warner makes honest admission from Phillip Hughes ahead of his final Test match for Australia
- David Warner has paid tribute to Phillip Hughes
- Warner was a close friend of the late cricketer
- He admitted that Hughes would probably have taken his place
David Warner has paid a fitting tribute to Phillip Hughes ahead of his final Test match, admitting the late cricketer would have given him a fierce fight for his place in the Australian team.
Hughes died aged 25 when he was hit in the neck by a cricket ball during a home match at the SCG in November 2014.
Warner was on the ground when the incident happened and Hughes has been a constant presence in the opener’s mind ever since.
The 37-year-old will retire from Test cricket on the same grounds this week and despite carving out an incredible career of his own, Warner believes Hughes was destined for even greater things.
“For us, it was very sad and terrible to be here when he fell that day,” Warner said.
David Warner has paid a fitting tribute to Phillip Hughes ahead of his final Test match
Warner says Hughes would have given him a fierce fight for a place in the Australian Test team
‘To this day it hits us hard. I’ve always seen him on the other side. All the boys know he looks down on us.
“It’s still hard to talk about today because I think he would be one of our best leadoff hitters ever,” Warner said.
‘He had every opportunity there was. His character, his energy and his smile lit up the room. Best friends with everyone, no one would ever say a bad word about him.
“I really believe that today – if he was still with us – he would be in my position or in Uzzie’s (Usman Khawaja) position (in the Test team).”
Hughes scored two centuries in his Test debut against South Africa, although a decline in form led to him being sidelined from the team. However, it was widely expected that he would return to the Test squad at a later date.
Elsewhere, Warner’s preparations for his final match were disrupted after a backpack containing his two baggy greens went missing during the team’s transport from Melbourne to Sydney.
“Unfortunately this is my last resort, but a few days ago our bags were shipped via Qantas,” he said.
Hughes died in November 2014 in a tragedy that rocked Australian cricket
‘We have looked at camera footage. Apparently they have some blind spots. We spoke to the Quay West Hotel, who we absolutely trust, and we checked their cameras and no one entered our rooms.
“Unfortunately, someone took my backpack out of my luggage, which contained my backpack and my girls’ presents.
‘This backpack contained my baggy greens. That’s sentimental to me and it’s something I’d like to have in my hands again this week when I walk there.
“If it’s the backpack you really wanted, I have a spare here. You won’t have any problems.’