Warner calls for end to send-offs as Hughes memories linger

SYDNEY: David Warner has decided to wave the white flag of truce in what has been an antagonistic series, calling for the teams to bring an end to hostile send-offs for both teams.
Memories of Philip Hughes' passing hang like a shroud over the Sydney Test and Warner suggested it was important for both teams to play in the right spirit.
"Just the way we celebrate wickets, not just the Indian team but us as well...sometimes we've all got to be careful not to be overexcited," said Warner, no stranger to controversy himself and the first to admit he has at times flirted with borderline dangerous onfield behaviour.
"I wouldn't say crossing the line, but I've been guilty of it sometimes in the past. Let them just walk off, the best thing you can do is to turn your back and give them the silent treatment when you get them out. You have the last laugh doing it that way . I know I have to learn, and I've learned from that in the past. All of us can take a mes sage from me, which is a surprise."
The Indians under Virat Kohli, though, will be wary of the Aussie opener's claims of having turned over a new leaf, and it remains to be seen if the peace overtures are accepted.
Asked if the Aussies were "all right" ahead of Sydney, Warner one of the four who witnessed the Hughes incident at the SCG ­ shot back, "No, it's not all right.
The guys are putting on a brave face at the moment. Every time I go out to field it's going to be at the back of my mind. This Test, I honestly can't tell until I go out there.
"When I go to face up at that Randwick end, I know I'm going to be looking down at that spot. I think it has helped me a lot now that I've got a daughter."
Hughes' family is expected to be in attendance for the match.
JOHNSON RULED OUT
Mitchell Johnson, as expected, has been ruled out of the Sydney Test with a right hamstring injury ."Mitchell had some right hamstring soreness at MCG and we have been closely monitoring his recovery . He has not fully recovered," said team physio Alex Kountouris.
Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle are the other pace options Australia have at their disposal as replacements.