Warner dedicates ton to Hughes as Australia resume Test cricket
OPENER David Warner dedicated his innings to late team-mate Phillip Hughes after hitting a century against India as Australia made an emotional return to Test cricket yesterday.
Warner scored 145 as Australia amassed 354-6 in a first Test delayed and then switched from Brisbane to Adelaide following the death of batsman Hughes during a domestic match last month.
Hughes, who died just three days short of his 26th birthday when he was struck on the neck by a short ball while on 63, was the subject of several tributes at the Adelaide Oval.
Players and spectators took part in a pre-match applause lasting 63 seconds, while players wore black armbands and Hughes was symbolically named as Australia’s 13th man.
“When I scored my first hundred he was at the other end and I dedicate that hundred to him today,” said Warner.
“It’s been an emotional week for all of us and I know he’ll be proud of us. I knew the little man up there was with me at the other end and it all fell into place.
“It was quite tough early on there, with the 63-second applause and getting through that national anthem, that was probably what set me off. It’s going to be a special number for all of us for a long time.”
Australia captain Michael Clarke was forced to retire hurt on 60 after injuring himself trying to avoid a bouncer similar to that which caused the fatal blow to Hughes.