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In the recently held Australian Cricket Award ceremony, the former Australian vice-captain, David Warner, delivered an emotional speech while receiving his third Allan Border Medal. The Australian all-format opener went on to express that he was aware of him letting down his fans before.
During the infamous Australian Test series in South Africa, Warner, along with their then captain Steve Smith, were handed a one-year ban for planning to tamper the ball with sandpaper. Paving the way for the infamous ‘Sandpaper Gate’ which rocked the entire cricketing universe in 2018.
Prime accused Cameron Bancroft was seen using foreign substances and pushing the sandpaper into his undergarment. Both Smith and Warner were handed a one-year ban and unceremoniously stripped from captaincy positions for a period of two years by Cricket Australia.
The explosive southpaw also went on record to state that it was disappointing to not win the World Cup, but appeared content with the Ashes win.
“I know I’ve let you guys down in the past. It’s just been remarkable to come back. With the World Cup, to not go the whole way was disappointing. The Ashes, retaining that was fantastic – I obviously didn’t turn up and I apologise for that – but I really had the hunger and determination to come back and do the best for our team,” Warner was quoted as saying by www.foxsports.com.au.
Since making his comeback, Warner has been unstoppable in white-ball cricket and amassed the most number of runs in the last season of IPL.
“To come back and have a summer like that and just contribute, it really put a smile on my face – and I hope it did for you guys as well,” added the 33-year old.
“Having three daughters at home, looking up to guys like (Steve Smith) ‘Smithy’, (Pat Cummins) ‘Cummo’ – playing cricket in the backyard they’re yelling out Virat Kohli’s name – but these are the smiles on kids’ faces that we put on,” said Warner in his emotional speech.
Watch the video here
An emotional @davidwarner31 accepts his third Allan Border Medal.
Great comeback, Bull! 🏅#AusCricketAward pic.twitter.com/VKUWaJ8m2V
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2020
During his layoff from international cricket, the likes of Warner and Smith went back to grade cricket, giving it back to the community. Therefore, the turbulent phase in his career helped him grow stronger but equally hurt him.
“To go back there and be able to be reintegrated into grassroots, go back to grade cricket, put a smile on people’s faces that way – it really helped me get to where I am today. Without that, getting cricket taken away from you – something I’ve always dreamt of – it really, really hurt,” said Warner while walking away with his medal.
