David Warner looks to the heavens after reaching 63. AP Photo: James Elsby. Source: AP

Television cameras captured a visibly distressed Warner walking away from a harrowing net session with Australian teammates last Friday and the next day he again withdrew from facing fast bowlers at training.

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WARNER REMEMBERS HUGHES ON 63 NOT OUT

Traumatised by being on hand at the SCG two weeks ago to witness good mate Phillip Hughes’ be felled by a bouncer, Warner said he was “nowhere” just days out from the series opener against India.

David Warner embraces Michael Clarke after reaching his century. AFP PHOTO: SAEED KHAN. Source: AFP

But history will say Warner’s 145 off 163 balls was as emphatic as they come, and the memory banks of those at Adelaide Oval will recall at as one of the most significant.

Warner said he thought he was no chance of playing last Friday.

“The first net session I walked out of I was nowhere,” he said.

Australian opener David Warner has paid tribute to fallen cricketer Phillip Hughes, raising his bat on 63 against India.

“I went out and bowled to the guys and I just felt I had to do something and I didn’t just want to linger around and soak in the emotion or take in the emotions.

“Then I went and faced the net bowlers again the next day and I think I lasted two or three balls and then went and had throw downs.

David Warner completes his trademark celebration after reaching 100. AFP PHOTO: SAEED KHAN. Source: AFP

“So it’s one of those things where you’ve got to keep soldiering on and do your best and we know he’s always going to be with us and always going to be in the back of our mind as well.”

Warner has overcome the first hurdle, but he believes the biggest may yet be to come.

David Warner bags an emotionally charged ton against India in the first test following the death of Phillip Hughes

The 28-year-old is already dreading the New Years Test at the SCG, where he fears bad memories will come flooding back.

Despite the amount of time he spent looking so comfortable at the crease, Warner also admitted it was the “mental demons” of the past fortnight that ultimately got him out.

Steve Smith comforts David Warner after the 63-second applause for Phillip Hughes. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

“For me personally the hardest thing for me is going to be the New Years day Test,” he said.

“Walking out to the SCG where it all unfolded and happened I think that’s going to be the toughest task for me and probably the other guys that were there as well.

“I felt I should have went on. How can I say it? The demons inside me got me out.”

Warner looked to the heavens and raised his bat when he got to 63, also taking a moment to compose himself on his haunches before continuing on.

The left-hander said it was the most distressing part of the day and believes the 63 mark will be significant for every current Australian cricketer for as long as they play.

David Warner walks out to bat at the Adelaide Oval. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

“It was such a horrific incident and a rare incident. At the back of my mind, even though a spinner was bowling, being on that number wasn’t right,” he said.

“I just wanted to get past that and move on.

“In this generation it’s going to be with us the rest of our lives. I am going to carry it on (recognising 63) the rest of my career.”

Australia push through an emotional first Test with India finishing up the day in South Australia with six for 354

Warner started the day in an incredible rush, smashing seven boundaries from the first 15 balls he faced for a strike rate of over 200.

His average is now within a whisker of 50 and the inconsistent tag now gone, Warner has emerged into one of the most damaging players in world cricket.

David Warner waits to bat, while team doctor Peter Brukner checks his watch. Photo by Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

But the quality of his innings on Tuesday — so powerful through the off-side — had little to do with him rating it as his best.

That was all to do with the emotion of the occasion.

“I think this is probably going to be the best of my career,” he said.

“Hopefully I can score a few more but I think that’s going to stick with me for the rest of my life.

David Warner celebrates his century on the opening day of the first Test. Photo by Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

“I just had a gut feeling my little mate was down with me the other end the whole time from ball one.

“He’ll be up the other end laughing at me.

“I don’t think he would have believed himself the amount of support that he had, not just from around Australia but from around the world.

“He’ll probably be quite embarrassed actually.”