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The ongoing clash between David Warner and Mitchell Johnson has stirred the cricketing world, taking an unexpected turn. Johnson publicly criticized Warner’s selection in the Australian Test squad for the upcoming Pakistan series, questioning his eligibility for a hero’s sendoff due to his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. Warner, set to retire after the third Test in Sydney, responded calmly, refusing to escalate the situation.
AB de Villiers enters the fray
Adding his perspective to the heated debate, former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers shared his insights on the matter. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, De Villiers urged the Australian duo to address their differences privately rather than letting the dispute play out in the public domain.
“I just don’t like this public conversation between the two of them. Just pick up the phone and sort it out. Ask the guy let’s go out for a cold drink and sort the issues out. I feel there are some scars from the dressing room but don’t let the world get in on this,” expressed De Villiers.
Predicting unfinished business
De Villiers hinted that the saga might not conclude anytime soon, emphasizing that there could be more to unfold. Acknowledging the extensive history shared by Warner and Johnson in the dressing room, De Villiers speculated that unresolved issues might be surfacing.
“I feel there’s a lot still left to come out. They have played a lot of cricket together and have shared the dressing room a lot. So maybe that’s where it started,” noted the Proteas icon.
Also READ: Aussie opener David Warner breaks his silence over Mitchell Johnson’s eye-brow raising opinions
Insight into David Warner’s persona
Reflecting on Warner’s on-field demeanor, De Villiers acknowledged the Australian as a fierce competitor. However, off the field, he described Warner as a “gentle giant” with a contrasting, more amicable personality.
“I have played many cricket games with this guy (Warner) and on the field he can be brutal, but off the field, he is a gentle giant. He is a nice guy. Something switches on the field just like Dale Steyn. I have played with Davey at Delhi Daredevils and maybe there is a bit of a short fuse sometimes. Maybe his and Mitch’s short fuse collided,” explained De Villiers.
