David Warner is still coming to terms with the death of his idol Shane Warne and is planning to attend the Australian legend's memorial service in Melbourne.
The 35-year-old, like many, thought news of Warne's shock passing was a hoax when he first heard it after play on the second day of Australia's Test against Pakistan on Friday.
But Warner is determined to rush back to Australia after the three-Test series finishes on March 25 and pay tribute to Warne.
The explosive left-hander had already opted to sit out Australia's white-ball series against Pakistan ahead of playing in the Indian Premier League.
After Warne's family holds a private funeral, a celebration of his colourful life will be held on March 30, with the MCG sure to be packed out for the farewell.
"It really didn't sink in at all and still hasn't," Warner said on Thursday.
"I had his poster on my wall as a kid, I wanted be like Shane and I started my career bowling leg-spin and batting middle-order.
"We idolised him.
"He's always stuck by me, and every time I've engaged with him in any way he's always asked me to come for a beer, come to dinner, and wanted to give advice and help.
"He's going to be dearly missed.
"I'll be trying to get down there (for the memorial service)."
Australia's greatest cricketer since Sir Donald Bradman, Warne remained heavily involved in the sport during the 15 years after his retirement from Test cricket in 2007.
Aside from being a prominent commentator, the lovable larrikin casually offered his experience and wisdom to the Australian team.
One of Warner's favourites memories of his childhood hero was during a tour of South Africa in 2014 when Warne came on board as a spin consultant.
Warne was captured by TV cameras asleep in the dressing rooms during play as Australia batted in the third Test, with Warner sitting next to him laughing hysterically.
"We didn't know where he was and we were about to leave for the ground on the bus and out rocks Warnie from the doors of the hotel, still buttering his peanut butter toast," Warner said.
Warne's body was transported back from Thailand, where he died, to Melbourne on Thursday after autopsy results showed his death was due to natural causes.
