The 2018 Australia’s tour of South Africa is still fresh in fans’ memory. Heightened tensions, verbal spats, and almost a violent encounter. All happening both on and off the pitch. But Alyssa Healy believes things will be different this time around.
Why? Because of David Warner’s absence.
What Did Alyssa Healy Say About David Warner?
Healy, appearing on the “Keepin’ It Cricket” podcast, explained the changed nature of the South Africa and Australia rivalry. AB de Villiers had said earlier in the conversation, “Dave is not here this time around, but they will have a few characters to get the crowd going.”
Healy, in response, added, “I’ve been saying a little bit around here that having no David Warner in that group probably calms it down a little bit.”
Why is that? Warner was never the player to play it nice. In 2014, he welcomed the new South African batter on the pitch with mock-barking. All after Faf du Plessis called the Australian fielding side a “pack of dogs”. Then came the 2018 tour.
Warner ran out de Villiers for a duck, then went straight into the faces of him and incoming batsman Aiden Markram, letting out an aggressive verbal tirade. Same test, Warne had to be held back to prevent an ugly physical confrontation with Quinton de Kock in the stadium stairwell.
Because of his aggressive on-field persona, South African crowds routinely targeted Warner. Local spectators even taunted him with items like sandpaper or wearing crude masks. Warner’s tendency to bite back kept the tension at its maximum.
That has changed now. “We had Mitch (Starc) on the podcast, what? Last week,” Healy continued. “Saying something similar that there’s actually a huge amount of respect amongst the Australian and South African team.
“You played the World Test Championship final last year, and it was a great game. I was there. Both teams are hanging around one another at the end of the game.”
Will things remain cordial? Chances are less when the Test series kicks off. Having the likes of Steve Smith only keeps it interesting.
Also Read: Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock Spat Threatens To Reveal Deep Cracks