After a gap of almost 2 years, Australian opening batsman David Warner has returned to the country where he did his biggest mistake – the sandpaper gate scandal. The explosive batsman was one of the three Australian cricketers involved in the ball-tampering controversy that happened during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.
Steve Smith, captain of Australia at that time, and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft were also involved in the incident. Bancroft was caught on the big screen changing the condition of the red cherry with the help of sandpaper. As a result, all three players were banned from playing international cricket for one year and Cricket Australia also banned them from playing any domestic tournaments of the country.
Now two years after the infamous controversy the dynamic duo of Warner and Smith return to Newland, Cape Town for the third and deciding T20 International between two teams.
Shedding a light on his comeback on the South African soil, Warner revealed that he is quite astonished to see such a receptive audience in the matches and expressed his gratitude towards the spectators who were present to witness the first two T20 Internationals in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.
The batsman further stated that the crowd present at both the previous venues was quite “respectful” and “outstanding.” The 33-year-old cricketer from Paddington further noted that he was overwhelmed with the reception he received during the games and was so happy when kids called out to him for “autographs” and “pictures.” All in all, Warner felt that it was a great atmosphere.
“I have pretty much been overwhelmed by the support we have had from the fans. The fans were just outstanding, they were very respectful,” Warner said.“I did not cop anything on the fence, the kids were yelling out for autographs and we obliged as we always do. It was a great atmosphere,” he added.
Warner played a superb knock of 67 in the second T20 International but his innings went in vain because the Aussies lost the game by 12 runs at the end. The first game was won by the Aussies comfortably while Quinton de Kock led the Proteas to a win in the second.
The third and final game will be played in Cape Town on February 26.
After the conclusion of the T20I series, both teams will play a three-match ODI series starting from February 29.
