Warner jabs Aussie selectors, rips ‘pathetic’ sight as Proteas flip script
David Warner has delivered a subtle jab at selectors and even fiercer criticism towards South African crowds during day three of Australia’s second Test against the Proteas.
His comments came as South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma played a career knock to reach 179 off 334 deliveries, allowing the hosts to declare at 9-425 late in the day to send the Aussies in.
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma celebrates after hitting a century. AP Photo/Themba Hadebe
It resulted in the early wicket of Nic Maddinson, who was out for a four-ball duck before five-wicket hero Scott Boland came to the crease as a night watchman.
Australia is 1-3 heading into day four and suddenly on the back foot, after Boland’s heroics on rain-impacted days one and two had the Proteas 4-40 at one stage.
Bavuma was aided by bowlers Marco Jansen (85 off 100) and Simon Harmer (82 off 157) as the tail wagged and Australia’s bowlers struggled.
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood sat out most of the innings after being struck down by illness, but returned to bowl a few overs late in the day.
Hazlewood bowled six overs in the second session but was ineffective against the patient Bavuma.
“Hazlewood just hasn’t quite had that same amount of zip, you just wonder whether the effects of that food poisoning has impacted his pace off the surface,” Simon Katich said on Super Sport.
“Although he should’ve nicked Simon Harmer off earlier on 17, they had the extra cover in and no third slip, and it went straight through the vacant slip region. Australia will regret that decision of not having the attacking slip in and trying to stem the flow of runs. It’s cost them.”
Hazlewood’s inability to bowl also meant Matt Renshaw featured with his off-spinners, bringing about a pointed David Warner post on X regarding Nathan Lyon not being selected.
“Can’t believe Matt Renshaw is now bowling, where is Nathan Lyon?? All the kids around the world want to see a spinner,” the former Test opener wrote.
Lyon’s dropping meant Boland came into the team and subsequently took a five-wicket haul. He now averages an astonishing 18.44 from 20 and a half Test matches.
On commentary, Katich wasn’t sure what impact Lyon would have played, particularly due to Hazlewood’s illness.
“It’s hard to know the impact of that because of Hazlewood. But if you look at Boland, he’s been the main threat,” he said.
Despite being below his best, Hazlewood almost had a wicket before tea when an edge from Bavuma just went under the hand of Steve Smith.
Smith immediately looked at his finger in pain and then had to leave the field before turning 10 minutes later.
Smith’s departure came in front of a small crowd at St George’s Park which has been a feature of the two Tests with barely any presence in Durban.
Fans did show up for the first two days but barely saw any cricket due to rain.
The weather didn’t stop Warner from having a dig at the crowd numbers as well.
“We keep hearing how important Test cricket is, but where are the fans in South Africa? Empty stands, no atmosphere, and we’re supposed to believe the format is thriving?” he wrote.
“You can’t keep calling Test cricket the pinnacle of the game if no one turns up to watch it. Harsh reality, but someone has to say it. Pathetic.”
