CAPE TOWN: Australian captain Michael Clarke on Friday criticised David Warner over comments that earned the opening batsman a fine from International Cricket Council match referee Roshan Mahanama.
Warner was fined 15 percent of his match fee for “inappropriate comments” when he suggested South African wicketkeeper AB de Villiers might have illegally altered the condition of the ball to induce reverse swing during South Africa’s 231-run win in the second Test at Port Elizabeth.
Speaking on the eve of the decisive third Test starting at Newlands on Saturday, Clarke said the Australians had dealt with the issue in house, in addition to Warner being fined by the ICC.
“I’ve made it very clear to David how disappointed I was, and am, with his comments,” said Clarke. “At the appropriate time I’ll certainly catch up with (South African captain) Graeme (Smith) and make it clear how I feel about it.”
Clarke said the issue had been dealt with. “Now it’s about playing cricket,” he said.
“Once we step on the field I’ll back my teammates 100 percent. Davey’s no different. He’s a tough bugger, there’s no doubt about it, and he’ll love the challenge he faces when he walks out onto that ground.
“I’ve read and heard a number of the South Africans say how disappointed they were with him and I think he’s assuming he’s going to cop a bit of stick on the field. But that’s no different, he actually enjoys that.”
Smith earlier made no secret of his annoyance at Warner’s comments. “He’s becoming a bit of rent-a-quote,” said the South African captain. “My thoughts are pretty strong and I’ll probably say something later but at the moment my focus is on preparing for this game.
Both captains said they were looking forward to a contest which has attracted huge interest. (Agencies)
