David Warner says his father was in TEARS after celebrating his double century with ‘a few too many’

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 dismal 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 day two 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 chance to share a special moment with his family at the MCG.

‘I rang mum and dad, they probably had a few too many up in the box. They didn’t want to come home and annoy anyone,’ the Australian opener told Fox Cricket.

‘I could hear my dad in the background tearing up saying: “That was the best innings I’ve ever seen.”

‘It takes its toll on everyone and I’m just glad they were able to come down and make it.’

Warner’s parents were in attendance at the MCG along with his wife Candice and his three daughters.

The 36-year-old opener arrived in the Boxing Day Test with huge pressure on his shoulders after going almost three years without a Test century 

As he reached his double century, Warner raised the bat towards the stands to salute his family and his mum could be seen wiping away tears of joy.

‘Those scenes there tell it all,’ Warner said.

‘We’ve all been through it together and it’s a great ride. We’re continuing 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 couldn’t have come at a more opportune 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 came into the Boxing Day Test averaging just 17.5 after a miserable return of 105 runs across the first three Tests of the summer and averaged just 21.64 this year.

With series in India and England – where he averages 24.25 and 26.04 respectively – looming large on the horizon next year, Warner’s place in the team was under growing scrutiny.

But with his back firmly up against the wall the Sydneysider delivered the perfect response, setting the platform for Australia to declare on 8-575 on day three with a mammoth 386-run lead.

And Warner, who battled cramps at various stages during his 360 minutes out in the middle, admitted the achievement had taken its toll.  

Warner spent time with his family at the MCG, playing with his daughters on the pitch 

‘Emotionally it was a tough day out there, but overwhelmed by everything,’ he explained.

‘Not just the occasion, the build up, 100th Test, back up against the wall stuff.

‘But just to have my family and closest friends come down and celebrate this with me, as it’s their journey as well. It was absolutely amazing.’

Australia reduced South Africa to 1-15 late on day three after Pat Cummins removed Proteas captain Dean Elgar for a third ball duck and are on the verge of securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.