The nationwide search for missing Baggy Greens David Warner has ended with the veteran opener reunited with his prized cap after Thursday's game. Ahead of the third day of the third Test against Pakistan at the SCG, Warner said on Instagram that the cap was spotted.
“It’s a load off my shoulders going into the last couple of days,” Warner said. “Any cricketer knows how special their cap is and I’ll cherish this for the rest of my life.
“I’m very grateful to all those involved in locating it, the Qantas team, the freight company, the hotel, and our own team management. I really appreciate it so thank you all.”
Warner had lost the two caps en route from Melbourne to Sydney earlier this week when the backpack in which the caps were kept went missing from his suitcase. The issue overshadowed Warner's 112th and final Test at the SCG and sparked a loaded investigation.
Airlines, hotels, and transportation companies looked for clues in video surveillance. Meanwhile, Warner's father goes on the radio and calls all the suspected thieves "scumbags," and Warner himself emotionally demands his cap back. He made a public plea by saying -
“This is my last resort to do this,” Warner said on Instagram on Tuesday.
“A couple of days ago, our bags got freighted via Qantas. We’ve gone through CCTV footage, they’ve got some blind spots apparently, we spoke to the Quay West Hotel who we absolutely trust and have gone through their cameras, no one’s come into our rooms.
“Unfortunately, someone has taken my backpack out of my actual luggage, which had my backpack and my girls’ presents in there [and] inside this backpack was my baggy greens.
“It’s sentimental to me, it’s something I would love to have back in my hands walking out there come this week. If it is the backpack you really wanted, I have a spare one here. You won’t get into trouble.”
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, was also involved in this matter, requesting that anyone who has Warner's cap should return.
Warner was informed by team management after Thursday's game that two international players had returned, but few details of their return have been released.
Warner wore a spare baggy green hat the team keeps on hand for emergencies during the first two days of the Test and said he wanted to auction the hat to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.
Although dismissed for 34 on day two, it is expected Warner will wear his baggy green when Australia returns to the field on Friday.