David Warner, the renowned Australian cricket opener, has made a heartfelt public plea following the loss of his backpack containing the iconic Australian Test cap, known as the Baggy Green. This incident occurred just before his final Test match, marking the end of a remarkable career in Test cricket. Warner's appeal for the return of his lost cap comes as he prepares to play his last match in the ongoing series against Pakistan, which is set to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground, his home venue.
The backpack, which holds great sentimental value for Warner, was reportedly lost during a transit between Melbourne and Sydney. Warner, in a desperate move, reviewed CCTV footage from his team hotel and the airline QANTAS, but to no avail. He has reached out to the public for assistance in recovering his Baggy Green, reassuring that the individual returning it would face no consequences. He has also requested that anyone with information contact Cricket Australia or the airline, even offering another item from his backpack as a token of gratitude.
"Unfortunately, someone has taken my backpack out of my actual luggage, which had my backpack and my girls' presents in there. Inside this backpack was my Baggy Greens. That is sentimental to me, it's something I would love to have back in my hands, walking out there come this week," Warner said in his plea.
"If it's the backpack you really wanted, I have a spare one here. You won't get into any trouble… I'm happy to give this to you if you return my baggy greens," he added.
The loss of the Baggy Green is a significant moment for Warner, as he announced his retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs) on the eve of this farewell Test during a press conference in Sydney on New Year's Day. Warner expressed his hope to find the cap before playing his final innings in Test cricket, which is scheduled to begin on January 3 in the New Year's Test.
While Warner is stepping away from the longer formats of the game, he has indicated his intention to continue participating in Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. He is looking forward to engaging more in franchise-based T20 leagues and is gearing up for the T20 World Cup later in the year. Moreover, Warner has not ruled out the possibility of playing in next year's Champions Trophy, a 50-over tournament, should the Australian team management require his services.
This situation highlights the deep emotional connection cricketers have with their gear, especially items like the Baggy Green, which symbolize their journey and achievements in the sport. Warner's appeal is not just about retrieving a lost item, but about reclaiming a piece of his storied cricketing legacy as he bids an emotional farewell to Test cricket in Sydney.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
AUS vs PAK: Looking for whitewash, Australia name lethal playing XI for 3rd Test against Pakistan in Sydney
David Warner finally reveals the toughest bower he has faced in his distinguished career and it's not Aswhin or Anderson
