David Warner’s typically swashbuckling century for Australia stole the initiative on day one of the series against India, but the day belonged to Phillip Hughes.
In the years to come, record books will show the tragically departed Hughes played 26 Tests in the baggy green, but, at the Adelaide Oval he was with Warner for very one of his 145 runs and played one more time.
On an emotional first day of the series, Warner’s 145 from 163 balls was a fitting tribute to his pal as Australia closed on 6-346. Warner hit seven of his first 15 deliveries for four on the way to his fifth century in seven Tests in 2014.
Michael Clarke had chosen to bat on a docile pitch and had reached 60 himself from 84 balls before his back injury flared up and he retired hurt in obvious pain.
Three late wickets for India saw them claw back some momentum, but Steve Smith played assured cricket to remain 72* not out overnight and the Australian camp will be searching for a positive morning session on day two to confirm their ascendancy in the game.
“I just had a gut feeling that my little mate was down the other end with me the whole time from ball one,” Warner said at close of play. “He was at the other end laughing at me about all the support and all the people that sent their messages. He would probably be quite embarrassed actually.”
When Warner reached his half century he raised his bat and head to the sky. When he reached three figures the 28-year-old embraced his skipper, Michael Clarke, and the arena erupted in a poignant release of tension and grief.
“It was in the back of my mind whether I should celebrate or not but I know what Hughesy’s like and he would always have told me to keep jumping and keep doing what I do,” Warner said. “I dedicate that hundred to him and Michael said to me he would be proud of us both and try to get on and win the game.”
Hughes had been fatally injured when on 63 not out - a score that will be forever remembered in Australian cricket. When Warner reached that score the significance took its toll.
“It was such a horrific and rare incident that in the back of my mind even though the spinner was bowling, just being on that number (63) I felt that it wasn’t right and I wanted to get past that and move on from that,” he said. “I had to step away for a couple of seconds to get thoughts and process back again.”
“For me, personally, I think the hardest thing for me is going to be the New Year’s Day Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where it all unfolded and happened.
“But the next four days we have to work hard to take 20 wickets.”
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author, a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications and a complete cricket badger!
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