The nationwide search for David Warner’s missing baggy greens has ended after the veteran opener was reunited with his prized caps after play on Thursday.

Ahead of day three in the third Test with Pakistan at the SCG, Warner took to Instagram to reveal the caps had been found.

Related: David Warner issues plea for return of missing baggy green in time for final Test

“It’s a load off my shoulders going into the last couple of days,” Warner said. “Any cricketer knows how special their cap is and I’ll cherish this for the rest of my life.

“I’m very grateful to all those involved in locating it, the Qantas team, the freight company, the hotel and our own team management. I really appreciate it so thank you all.”

Warner lost the two caps en route from Melbourne to Sydney earlier this week when the backpack in which the caps were stored went missing from his suitcase.

The issue cast a pall over Warner’s 112th and final Test at the SCG and sparked a frantic search.

Airlines, hotels and freight companies had been scouring CCTV for clues. Meanwhile, Warner’s father labelled any alleged thieves “scumbags” on radio and Warner himself issued an emotional plea for the caps to be returned.

“This is my last resort to do this,” Warner said on Instagram on Tuesday.

“A couple of days ago, our bags got freighted via Qantas. We’ve gone through CCTV footage, they’ve got some blind spots apparently, we spoke to the Quay West Hotel who we absolutely trust and have gone through their cameras, no one’s come into our rooms.

“Unfortunately, someone has taken my backpack out of my actual luggage, which had my backpack and my girls’ presents in there [and] inside this backpack was my baggy greens.

“It’s sentimental to me, it’s something I would love to have back in my hands walking out there come this week. If it is the backpack you really wanted, I have a spare one here. You won’t get into trouble.”

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, was also drawn into the saga, calling on whoever took the prized caps to hand them in.

“A missing baggy green? Well, that’s just not cricket!” the PM posted. “David Warner has represented Australia on more than 100 occasions and Davey’s earned the right to wear his one final time. If you can help, let’s make it happen.”

Warner was told by team management the two caps had been returned after play on Thursday although details regarding their retrieval were scant.

Warner had been wearing the spare baggy green the team keeps on hand for emergencies during the first two days of the Test and says he wants to auction that cap to raise money for the McGrath Foundation.

Although dismissed for 34 on day two, it is expected Warner will wear his own baggy green when Australia returns to the field on Friday.