Daily Times

Alex Carey has taken a cheeky jab at David Warner for not wearing his now-infamous baggy green while fielding after it was returned during the third Test against Pakistan.

Warner sparked an extensive search for his most-prized cricket possession on the eve of his final Test, when he claimed his backpack had been stolen. Inside the backpack were his two baggy greens, including the one he has worn for most of his 112-Test career. Warner initially suggested it was likely to have been taken by someone while he was in transit between Melbourne and Sydney.

Warner’s pleas for the caps’ safe return came to fruition on Friday morning, with the 37-year-old taking to social media to announce they had been found.

“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.”

But Warner’s baggy green was a notable absentee when Australia returned to the field late on day three of the SCG Test.

The veteran opener wore a wide-brimmed hat in the slips cordon as Australia closed in on a series whitewash by sending Pakistan to stumps at 7-68. “He didn’t run out with it today. He doesn’t do that in the second innings,” said wicketkeeper Carey.

“He probably should have put it on for the crowd, I thought!” Carey said the playing group was pleased Warner had been reunited with his well-worn cap.

“There was a bit of relief,” he said.

“Davey’s played what, 112 games? I know for me the baggy green means a lot, so it was great to have that back in his hands.”

Warner and Cricket Australia are still unsure of the movements of the backpack before it resurfaced at the team hotel – despite extensive searches and a review of CCTV footage at multiple locations.