Australia v England 2022/23

Watch: Young fans gasp in disbelief after David Warner hands over batting gloves following first ton in 34 months

by Wisden Staff November 22, 2022 - 8:29am 2 minute read

Watch: David Warner made a couple of young fans’ day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after handing over his batting gloves on his way back to the dressing room, following his first international century in nearly three years.

Batting first in the third ODI between Australia and England, Warner and Travis Head gave the hosts a sizeable platform to work with, stitching together a 269-run opening stand. Head led the charge, scoring a 130-ball 152, while Warner complemented him with his first century in international cricket since January 2020.

Warner was the first one to be dismissed, in the 39th over by Ollie Stone, returning back for a 104-ball 106. As he crossed the boundary ropes and walked towards the dressing room, an enthusiastic young fan cheered for him among a group of supporters in the adjoining stand. The fan appeared to say something to Warner as he walked past, and the Australian batter promptly tossed his gloves to him.

The child’s joy knew no bounds: he ran around with the prized possession, making his way out to meet his family and proudly show them his new gear. He passed it on to another kid – possibly his brother; there was a gasp of disbelief on the young one’s face as the cameras followed him, probably still recovering from the pleasant shock of clutching onto a piece of equipment belonging to a modern batting great.

With rain intervening, the match was reduced to 48-overs-a-side. At the time of writing, Australia had made 355-5 in their 48 overs.