Graeme Smith: Warner can be a fool

Graeme Smith on Monday called David Warner ‘a fool’ after a video emerged of an off-field confrontation between the Australia batsman and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock.

The former Proteas captain responded to a tweet by Australian great Adam Gilchrist, saying that Warner was known for pushing the boundaries when it came to sledging.

According to the visiting captain Steve Smith, De Kock crossed the line with personal comments, and Gilchrist tweeted that the reaction was not a good look.

ALSO READ: De Kock the instigator, implies Smith

‘What was said and done during that interval was regrettable from both sides. Quinton got personal and evoked an emotional response from Davey,’ the Australian skipper told the media earlier.

‘I think those things are not on from both sides. Getting personal on the field is not on, and that’s crossing the line in my opinion.’

Gilchrist tweeted:

Ugly scenes in Durban. Can only assume something very personal has been throw at @davidwarner31 for this type of reaction. Not a good look all round. #SAvAUS

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 5, 2018

But, Smith chimed in, saying Warner crossed many personal boundaries.

Gilly- Warner crossed many personal boundaries with the South Africans, so we can’t be surprised when there is eventually a reaction. If players are happy to give it,they have to be prepared to take it,too. On both sides!
But agreed not a good look. #SAvsAUS https://t.co/obTo0GO2H8

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 5, 2018

According to South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis, there were personal comments made by both sides.

‘Both parties, from what I heard, there was a lot of personal stuff said. I don’t know in what manner, but that’s why it went off the field. If you want to go personal, us included, then it needs to stay on the field.

‘I wasn’t out there in the middle, but what I hear, there was a lot of personal stuff, too, and from [both sides]. Who started it, I don’t know,’ said Du Plessis.

In another report, Smith went as far as to call the Australian vice-captain a fool.

‘We’ve got used to Davey over the years. I think the less interest you take in him, the better. He can be a bit of a fool at times. It’s best just to let him be,’ said Smith.

ALSO READ: Warner, De Kock in off-field confrontation

Further reports suggested De Kock made derogatory comments about Warner’s wife, something Australian captain Smith refused to comment on after the game.

Both Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia said they would be investigating the incident.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix