David Warner says his father was left in TEARS after celebrating his double century with ‘a few too many in the box’ as the defiant batter opens his emotional Boxing Day Test innings
- David Warner ended a dismal run of form with a superb 200 at the MCG
- It was his first Test century in nearly three years and it came in his 100th Test
- Warner said the double ton was extra special as he celebrated it with his family
- His 200 set the platform for Australia to declare at 8-575 on the third day
- South Africa are chasing Australia by 371 runs in their second innings
- Click here for all your latest international sports news on Daily Mail Australia
David Warner has revealed the emotional conversation he had with his family after his brilliant double century at the MCG against South Africa ended a disappointing run of form.
The 36-year-old ended a run of 27 innings without a Test ton as he silenced his critics with a gutsy 200 in oppressive conditions on the second day of the Boxing Day Test to register his first Test ton since January 2020.
It was the perfect way for Warner to mark his 100th Test and he relished the opportunity to share a special moment with his family at the MCG.
David Warner scored a brilliant 200 as Australia took control of the Boxing Day Test
‘I called mum and dad, they must have a lot in the box. They don’t want to go home and upset anybody,’ the Australian opener told Fox Cricket.
‘I could hear my dad in the background in tears saying: “That was the best innings I’ve ever seen.”
‘It affects everyone and I’m just glad they got down and got here.’
Warner’s parents attended the MCG with his wife Candice and their three daughters.
The 36-year-old opener comes into the Boxing Day Test with a lot of pressure on his shoulders after nearly three years without a Test century
Warner battled cramps and fatigue during his innings in the sweltering heat at the MCG
On reaching his double century, Warner raised his bat towards the stands to greet his family and his mother could be seen wiping away tears of joy.
‘Those scenes there say it all,’ says Warner.
‘We’ve all been through this together and it’s been a great ride. We continue this journey together and we absolutely love it.’
Warner’s highest score since he made an unbeaten 335 against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval in November 2019 could not have come at a better time for him.
Warner said it was special to mark his 100th Test in style in front of his wife Candice (left) and his three daughters (pictured here at the Gabba after the first Test earlier this month)
The veteran opener went into the Boxing Day Test averaging just 17.5 after a dismal return of 105 runs in the first three Tests of the summer and averages just 21.64 this year.
With the series in India and England – where he averaged 24.25 and 26.04 respectively – looming next year, Warner’s place in the team is under increasing scrutiny.
But with his back against the wall the Sydneysider provided the perfect response, setting the platform for Australia to declare at 8-575 on day three with a massive 386-run lead.
And Warner, who has battled cramps at various stages during his 360 minutes at the centre, admits the victory was worth it.
Warner spent time with his family at the MCG, playing with his daughters on the pitch
‘Emotionally, it was a tough day there, but overwhelmed by everything,’ he explained.
‘It’s not just the occasion, the build up, 100th Test, back up against the wall stuff.
‘But just to have my family and close friends come down and celebrate it with me, because it’s their journey too. It’s really amazing.’
Australia reduced South Africa to 1-15 late on the third day after Pat Cummins dismissed Proteas captain Dean Elgar for a third-ball duck and were on the verge of securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in three-Test series.
