'Smiles on faces': David Warner's touching tribute to Virat Kohli in Allan Border Medal speech

David Warner made an emotional acceptance speech after accepting the Allan Border Medal during a year of redemption for the opener and he was not without praise for teammates and opponents.

Warner broke down during the speech as he thanked his family and teammates after collecting the Men’s T20 player of the year and the Allan Border Medal.

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But he also reserved a special mention to the stars of the Aussie cricket team, World No.1 bowler Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, and Indian captain and batsman Virat Kohli and their impact on children around the world.

“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,” he said during the speech.

“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.”

Kohli was praised during the ODI World Cup last year when he asked the Indian fans to respect Warner and Smith upon their return to the Aussie team and asked fans not to boo the players on the field.

He is currently the ICC World No.1 batsman.

Warner becomes emotional

The Allan Border Medal winner became emotional when delivering his acceptance speech, especially when it came to mentioning his family and wife Candice.

“My mum and dad, I know I’ve let you down a lot in the past but you always stick by my side and I really appreciate that, and my brother,” he said.

“My wife, my rock, I don’t know what could 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.”

With AAP