Watch: Emotional David Warner Mentions Virat Kohli's Name, Breaks Down After Winning Allan Border Medal

Australia star David Warner could not control his emotions as he won his third Allan Border Medal, given to the country’s best male cricketer. The medal also capped off a stunning redemption for the southpaw who served a one-year ban due to the ball-tampering scandal and returned to international cricket in last year’s World Cup.

He pipped Steve Smith to the prestigious by just one vote. David Warner had previously won the coveted individual prize in 2016 and 2017. He finished the World Cup as the second highest run-scorer, scoring 647 runs at an average of 71.88 — one run behind Indian opener Rohit Sharma for the leading scorer of the tournament.

David Warner had then endured a disastrous campaign in the Ashes where he scored just 95 runs in five games. However, he bounced back in style in the home season. In six T20Is against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the left-hander was dismissed just once and recorded a stunning average of 287 while also scoring his first T20I century.

He started the home Test season by scoring 154 against Pakistan at the Gabba before scoring a career-high 335 not out in the following Test at Adelaide Oval. Recently, he also scored an ODI ton in India to start 2020 with a bang.

Warner emotional:

As David Warner accepted the Allan Border medal, he got emotional as he reflected on the support of his family and friends during the 12-month ban. He also mentioned the name of Virat Kohli, saying how his daughters yelled own the India skipper’s name while he was playing cricket with them. Warner’s wife Candice had once posted a video in which Warner’s daughter had said she wants to be Kohli.

“I realised a lot of things during that time off that we don’t actually understand or realise when we’re in this bubble, the importance of what this game is and the smiles on the faces that we bring to a lot of people. Having three daughters at home, looking up to guys like ‘Smithy’, ‘Cummo’ — playing cricket in the backyard they’re yelling out Virat Kohli’s name — but these are the smiles on kids faces that we put on,” said David Warner.

He further thanks his parents, brother and wife for their support. And as he mentioned his wife, he broke down and also dropped the f-bomb while he was trying to keep his emotions in check.

“Obviously there’s a lot of thank yous — I’m going to miss a lot of people — but first and foremost my mum and dad. I know I’ve let you guys down in the past but you guys always stuck … by my side, and I really appreciate that. And my brother.

My wife … f*** … a s I said before, my rock. You’re absolutely amazing. I don’t know what can ever break you. You’re absolutely fantastic. You’re an inspiration, not just to me but to the girls. It’s hard for a man to stand up here and say a lot of nice words about people, but you always seem to bring the best out of me and the kindness of my heart. I can’t thank you enough for what you do for me and our family. I love you dearly,” said David Warner.

Here is the full video of his speech:

An emotional @davidwarner31 accepts his third Allan Border Medal.

Great comeback, Bull! ?#AusCricketAward pic.twitter.com/VKUWaJ8m2V

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 10, 2020