David Warner doesn't see funny side of stolen bat hoax

David Warner in action for Australia. Photo / Getty

Australian David Warner has a very particular set of skills.

Warner took to Twitter yesterday in an appeal to his 1.1 million followers.

The 29-year-old was chasing down the man accused of stealing one of his bats straight out of his kit bag, after the alleged thief posted a photo with the bat on his Facebook page, claiming to be putting the willow up for sale.

Warner identified the man as Blair Neill, and accused him of "flogging" the bat online.
"Does anyone know this bloke. One of my bats have been taken from my bag and he is flogging it online," Warner's caption read.

About two hours after his original post, Warner updated his fans with another Tweet, which claimed the sale was a hoax.

Does anyone know this bloke. One of my bats have been taken from my bag and he is flogging it online. pic.twitter.com/JxhJ7nAvWp

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) January 19, 2016

We have found the bat. He thought it would be a joke to take a pic and pretend to sell it online. He did not steal it he just took a pic.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) January 20, 2016

Clearly Warner did not see the funny side. The perpetrator however, revelled in his 15 minutes of fame. Speaking with a Sydney radio startion, Neill said the whole experience had sent him rather "giggly".

"I can't even begin to describe what today has been like. It has been ridiculous," Neill said.

"One of my mates I used to go to primary school with actually sent me a photo of his tweet, and it kind of exploded from there.

"I got a bit giggly."

When Triple M presenters steered the conversation towards Warner's clear lack of amusement at the incident, the would-be prankster likened his temper to his height - or lack thereof.

"He's got a little short man syndrome doesn't he," Neill said.

Neill said he was contacted by the Aussie batsman, who was bewildered as to why anyone would claim to be selling a stolen piece of Warner willow.

"He sent me a message today. He said: 'Hey buddy, how are you? Just wondering why you put a pic on Facebook trying to sell the bat. I know you don't have it, but I have been inundated with people asking about it, including some officials, as you are trying to sell something that doesn't exist'."

While Neill is enjoying his short stint in the limelight, it is fair to say the incident had little affect on Warner, who smashed a convincing 93 off 92 balls to set up Australia's innings total of 348 in their fourth one-day international against India in Canberra.

One thing is for sure: If you mess with David Warner's bats, he will look for you, he will find you, and he will name and shame you on social media.

- news.com.au