David Warner’s perfect response to hostile crowd as he delivers classy speech after BBL defeat

David Warner was not warmly received by the Hobart crowd, but it didn’t stop him from delivering one of the great speeches.

Sydney Thunder’s Big Bash League campaign finished with a brutal loss on the big stage to a history-making Hobart Hurricanes outfit, but their skipper David Warner was still able to win over the rival crowd with some classy words post-match.

Warner’s Thunder side was blown out of the water as emerging star Mitchell Owen belted the equal-fastest century (39 balls) in Big Bash history to help the home side claim their inaugural Big Bash title.

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It was a crushing loss for the visitors and 38-year-old Warner was met with scattered boos as he delivered his post-match speech at Ninja Stadium.

However the fans changed their tune as Warner offered genuine praise to Owen and the tournament’s supporters.

“First and foremost, congratulations to the Hobart Hurricanes, Nathan Ellis (captain) and what a fantastic knock that was by Mitchell Owen,” he said post-game.

“As a (rival) player, you don’t want to stand there and just watch that but that was just phenomenal hitting, and well done to you buddy.

David Warner’s Thunder were blown away by the Hobart Hurricanes. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“The whole BBL we’ve seen some serious numbers in attendance, we’ve seen some big numbers watching and the viewership.

“So thank you guys very much, because we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing today without all of you.

“As a player who’s played for Australia and had a lot of support over the years, I owe the game and that was kind of coming back here to the BBL (and) trying to make my energy infectious.”

The left-hander’s words resonated strongly with the 15,706 fans that attended the final, who applauded the thoughtful words.

Warner, who captained the Thunder full time this summer, made the second-most runs (405) of anyone in the tournament this campaign — behind only Owen who slammed 452 at the top of the order for Hobart.

Despite being retired from the top level for just over 12 months now, the nation’s former opener in all three formats looks set to lead the Western Sydney-based side again next season.

“I had a lot of fun, but just being amongst the guys that we have (was great),” Warner finished by saying.

“The background staff, they all make it worthwhile and that’s why I love coming back here.

“That group over there, you’ve made me feel welcome as a captain, we’re all as one and hopefully we can come back next year … and hopefully go home with that bad boy (BBL trophy).”

Originally published as David Warner’s perfect response to hostile crowd as he delivers classy speech after BBL defeat