Warner’s words will ‘motivate’ SA

Times Media - February 27 2014

TELFORD VICE, Cape Town

If the Australians come up against a more inspired SA team in the third test at Newlands on Saturday, they can blame David Warner.

Warner’s implication that the South Africans used underhanded tactics to make the ball reverse swing in the second test at St George’s Park, where the home side won by 231 runs on Sunday to square the series going into the decider at Newlands on Saturday, is set to galvanise Graeme Smith’s men.

“It’s always disappointing to hear comments like that,” Russell Domingo said yesterday. “We are a very motivated team and this has probably added 10 percent to our motivation levels to show David Warner and the Australians that we don’t play our cricket like that.

“We pride ourselves on playing cricket honestly. It’s not a nice comment to make. It’s not nice when one team accuses another of whatever.”

In an interview with Sky Sports Radio, Warner had said, “I think it comes down to the umpires warning both teams not to throw the ball into the wicket, which you generally try and do.

“We were questioning whether or not, with every delivery, AB de Villiers would get the ball in his hand and, with his glove, wipe the rough side.”

Once the third test starts, the Australians will no doubt remind the South Africans that, four months ago, Faf du Plessis was done for ball-tampering in the second test against Pakistan in Dubai.

The umpires changed the ball and awarded Pakistan five penalty runs - the standard on-field procedure when officials spot illegal alterations to the condition of the ball.

At a disciplinary hearing, Du Plessis chose not to contest the charge. He was thus found guilty and fined 50 percent of his match fee.

SA team manager Mohammed Moosajee seemed to confirm Du Plessis’ guilt when he said that, “a full hearing could lead to more severe punitive measure which could include a heftier fine or even a match ban”.

Du Plessis had rubbed the ball over a zip in his trousers. He was seen shining the ball again in Port Elizabeth, but away from the zip.

At least twice at St George’s Park, Dale Steyn chose to kick the ball towards fielders rather than pick it up, an action that could have roughened the surface.