Australian pop megastar Tones and I performs at David Warner’s retirement party
A plush CDB venue, rousing speeches and a global pop icon – David Warner’s retirement party was organised by Warner himself and had it all.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
David Warner chose the ultimate rags to riches performer to celebrate a cricket career that has encapsulated the same incredible journey.
Dance Monkey star Tones and I entertained Australia’s cricketing stars with a stunning live performance at the Ivy Penthouse on Saturday night.
Tones and I, also known as Toni Watson came up with the global smash hit Dance Monkey as a tribute to her days busking on the streets of Australia and it has been described by Elton John as one of the greatest pop songs ever written.
Like Dance Monkey took over the world and had over one billion views on You Tube and topped singles charts in over 30 countries, including 24 weeks at No.1 in Australia – Warner went from housing commission flats in Matraville to dominating cricket as Australia’s greatest ever all-format batsman.
Players and their partners and families were up on the dance floor long into the night enjoying a celebration organised and put on by Warner himself.
Warner gave a speech thanking his teammates and paying special tribute to his wife Candice, three daughters and his family.
“It’s always box office with Davey,” captain Pat Cummins – who was at the party with wife Becky – said after the Test.
“There’s always something going on.
“Even if he misses out in the runs, he does something in the field, or he does a dance on the sideline. I think we’re going to miss that.
“From a team point of view, we spend a lot of our lives on the road in hotel rooms when there’s so much going on.
“But Davey always brings that energy to the group and excitement.
“Every group needs a couple of people that, or else it can get pretty mundane. We’re going to miss him.
Earlier, Australian coach Andrew McDonald and teammates paid tribute to Warner in the Sydney Cricket Ground dressing rooms.
McDonald delivered a heartfelt speech about Warner and his contribution to Australian cricket.
About his generosity – which was showcased in the party he later hosted – and how much of an underrated team man he is.
McDonald quipped that the team’s army of avid golfers are finally looking forward to not being forced to play off the back tees at Warner’s insistence.
Nathan Lyon decided to perform the team song on the outfield surrounding the message ‘Thanks Davey’ which had been etched in chalk in the outfield along.
Lyon introduced the song and then handed Warner the honour of leading the raucous chant for his final Test match.
Teammates gifted Warner with an exclusive bottle of wine and a framed photograph of Warner with Candice and his three children who have been so much a part of the dressing room over his Test career.
Warner was able to finish his Test career with his original baggy green on his head after the mystery surrounding its disappearance was solved.
It turns out the backpack containing the caps was inside a different bag to the ‘coffin’ he originally declared.
This extra bag was discovered amongst over 100 other items of luggage inside the team room of the team hotel on Thursday, where it had been all along.
It means the baggy greens were never stolen and nor was their disappearance the result of a prank gone wrong.
Simply, it was an honest mistake, with the items packed in a different bag that had not been searched.
This is not uncommon when the Australian team is travelling with over 160 items of luggage.
Cummins hopes Warner can take on a leadership role in Australian cricket in retirement.
“Of course, he loves the game. He’s got so much to offer,” Cummins said. “I’m sure he’ll be involved in cricket for a long time and hopefully in some of those leadership roles because he’s got a lot to give.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Australian pop megastar Tones and I performs at David Warner’s retirement party
Heat squad receives timely boost
The Brisbane Heat continues to build their squad for the new WBBL season.
Michael Clarke speaks out about disorder
Michael Clarke admits he’s one of the most polarising figures in Australian cricket. He’s opened about why he “probably” deserved some of the criticism.