Australia’s swashbuckling opening batsman David Warner, on Monday, December 2, paid tribute to Philip Hughes after the home side clean-swept Pakistan two-match Test series 2-0 against Pakistan in Adelaide.
After the massive victory at The Gabba, Australia had a strong grasp over the tourists in the second and final Test as well; as Warner’s triple century and Nathan Lyon’s fifer in the second innings helped the hosts to win the match by an innings and 45 runs to secure a home series win at Adelaide Oval.
Following the Test series victory in Adelaide, Warner, who was adjudged both Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his spectacular show with the bat in both matches, remembered his late teammate Hughes, who passed away after being hit by a bouncer in November 2014.
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Warner further called his historic triple-century in Adelaide is extra special as it had come on the birthday of his great mate Hughes – 30th November. Warner told reporters on Monday, “This win for us is a bit of memory and reflection of our mates’ life (talking about Philip Hughes). And it (his triple-century) was on his birthday as well. It’s always a difficult time for us. I looked up to the skies to him and every time we come here and play, we do that,”
While hailing the Aussie bowlers' efforts, the 33-year-old talked admitted that fielding for two days after covering almost 21 kilometers, the equivalent of a half-marathon during his record-breaking knock 335 runs in Adelaide was tough for him.
He continued, “I am very happy we didn’t have to bat again. The legs are okay, but I was so tired last night that I slept on the couch. Coming out here and playing against Pakistan, we knew they were going to put up a fight. I backed myself and just enjoyed it. I had a bit of time out of the game to reflect on a lot of things. Now that I am back here, I am enjoying it and hungrier than ever.”
Meanwhile, Australia is scheduled to next host New Zealand for three Tests this December and Warner promised to give his best in the next challenge at home.
The three-match Test series will get underway with the first match on December 12 in Perth followed by the second and third Test to be played on December 26 and January 3, 2020, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground respectively.
He signed off by saying, “We are going to come up against quality opposition in New Zealand. It’s always a good contest. The conditions are probably going to suit their attack in Perth and we need to see what wickets are prepared and adjust accordingly. I’ll go back to the nets and practice hard. I’ll do my best.”
(With Indian Express Inputs)
