'What a send off': Warner's war with Kiwis continues

David Warner received a hostile send-off from the crowd in Wellington during Australia’s epic six-wicket victory over New Zealand in their T20 series opener on Wednesday night.

After New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat — notching up a total of 215 runs — Australia lost opening pair of Travis Head (24) and Warner (32).

Warner departed after Mitchell Santer and Glenn Phillips combined with Phillip picking off an attempt to clear the boundary for six with a catch at deep mid-wicket.

But as he walked off the field a chorus of boos rang out for Warner.

“What a send-off. The crowd showed their appreciation for David Warner on his way,” former New Zealand cricketer Craig McMillan joked in commentary.

As he made his way off the field at Wellington Stadium, Warner kissed his bicep before bringing his fingers to his lips and saluting the crowd.

“He’s been booed by 20,000 [people] and that’s class. I love that,” commentator Scotty Stevenson said in response.

Warner had not been expecting a friendly farewell from the Kiwi fans in what is his final bilateral international cricket series against New Zealand.

“Over here, it’s always the harsh reality that we’re neighbours, in sport we like to beat each other,” Warner said on Monday.

“From that perspective, we’re going to be expecting the crowd to come at us as hard as they come. As we always say, it’s in one ear, out the other — if I actually hear anything.”

The 35-year-old has been the subject of abuse from Black Caps fans throughout his career.

The worst of it was during a Test and ODI tour of New Zealand in 2016.

“I enjoy playing here. It’s about coming out and trying to put my best foot forward, and score runs,” Warner said.

“The crowd, yeah, they got personal, but if they have to get personal, that’s their character … if you want to pay your money to come and abuse people, you have to go back and lay in your own bed.

“We’re here to play the game of cricket that we love, enjoy and put bums on seats to keep the game going.”

Warner recently retired from Test and one-day cricket but has pushed back his exit from the international scene of the shortest form of the game until after the Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States in June.

Australia’s innings was rescued by middle order batter Tim David, who came out with Australia 4-172 and requiring 44 runs off 19 balls.

David produced three sixes and two fours to keep Australia’s hopes of victory alive before hitting a four off the last ball to seal the win.

He finished his innings with 31 not out off 10 balls but it was his partner at the other end Mitch Marshwho claimed player of the match honours with a performance of 72 not out.

The second T20I of the three-match series will be played in Auckland on Friday.