David Warner Gives Touching Tribute To Phil Hughes In His Final Test Match At SCG, Says ‘If He Was Still With Us…’

Australia's seasoned opener, David Warner, is playing his final Test match in Sydney. But it was not just the retirement that made the veteran opener emotional, but also the poignant moment that brought back memories of his late teammate, Phil Hughes.

The emotional scene unfolded as Warner, in the midst of the third test against Pakistan at the SCG, touched Hughes' commemorative plaque before taking to the crease. The gesture quickly became viral on social media.

Hughes lost his life at the age of 25, struck by a cricket ball on the neck during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG in November 2014. Warner vividly recalled the unfortunate day, expressing the ongoing impact of Hughes' passing on the Australian team.

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“For us, being here when he fell that day, was quite sad and terrible. Still today, it hits us hard. I’ve always seen him at the other end. All the boys know he’s looking down upon us. His character, his energy and his smile lit up the room. Best mates with everyone, no one would ever say a bad word about him” Warner reflected, as quoted by Fox Sports.

In a heartfelt tribute, Warner asserted his belief that Hughes would have become one of Australia’s greatest opening batters ever if he were still alive.

“He had every shot in the book. I truly, truly believe today – if he was still with us – he’d be in my position or Uzzie’s (Usman Khawaja) position (in the Test team),” Warner said.

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Hughes' untimely demise in 2014 left the cricketing world in mourning. The SCG paid homage to Hughes with a plaque near the home dressing room, a tradition Warner has upheld by touching it before every innings, including his final Test.

Warner, who has had an illustrious Test career with 26 centuries across 112 matches, is set to bid farewell to Test cricket after the ongoing match against Pakistan in Sydney.

In the current Test, Pakistan posted a total of 313 in their first innings, with important contributions from Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, and Aamer Jamal. Australia, in response, faced a tricky phase, playing just one over before the close of play.