Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis says he has no time for David Warner, labelling the opener a “bully”.
The pair were at the centre of the infamous 2018 “Sandpapergate” series, which saw a number of ugly confrontations between Australia and South Africa.
It resulted in the suspensions of Warner, Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering controversy exploded during the third Test in Cape Town.
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The series got off to a fiery start in Durban, with Warner and South African star Quinton de Kock involved in a heated confrontation in a stairwell as the players left the field for tea on day four.
That followed an intense period of play, where Warner had been at the centre of what South Africa felt was an overly excessive celebration following the run-out of AB de Villiers.
Leaked footage from surveillance cameras showed du Plessis, wearing only a towel, becoming involved in the Warner-de Kock dispute as the players left the field.
“Australia wanted to bully us,” du Plessis told the BBC.
“We had to stand up for ourselves. They abused us that whole game but the way we fought back turned the series around.”
The former captain said he had some sympathy for Bancroft, who he labelled impressionable, and admiration for the talents of Smith.
But there was no such praise for Warner.
“He was a bully,” said du Plessis.
“I don’t have time for bullies.”
The 69-Test veteran was involved in controversy of his own during his career. In 2013 he was found guilty of rubbing the ball on the zipper of his pants, while in 2016 he was at the centre of the ‘Mintgate’ controversy, where he was shown using saliva from a mint on the ball in a Test in Hobart.
“I’m not perfect,” he conceded. “I’ve never claimed to be. I’ve never been the most talented player.
“Yes, I have talent, but it’s hard work and mental toughness that got me to where I am.”
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