Former England spinner Graeme Swann has mocked David Warner’s claims he enjoys being sledged by opponents and says the Australian batsman will struggle to maintain his confrontational style when he has a dip in form.
Warner, who’s scored 1066 runs at 71.06 in his past eight Tests, starred with the bat in Australia’s outstanding 2-1 win in South Africa, scoring three centuries – including one in either innings of the deciding Test in Cape Town.
This run of form came on the back of a brilliant Ashes campaign where he clubbed 523 runs at an average of 58.11 and played a significant part in Swann’s shock retirement after the third Test in Perth.
The 27-year-old was in the thick of a dramatic final day against the Proteas where the on-field officials were forced to step in and calm tempers following a decision to dismiss Vernon Philander was overturned by the third umpire.
After his century on day four, Warner claimed he won’t change his approach because he loves it when opponents come at him.
However, Swann, who finished his career with 258 wickets from just 60 Tests at an average of 29.96 and played in three Ashes-winning series, believes Warner won’t be so vocal when the runs dry up.
“He doesn’t like being sledged. I know that because he said in the press conference, ‘I love it when people have a go at me’,” Swann told BBC radio.
“People who say that don’t really like it. It’s all part of the bravado.
“I remember Ian Bell saying something to him in Perth and his head nearly blew up.
“He’s an intimidating player and he is riding a crest of a wave and having purple patch.
“What will be interesting is when that patch finishes. Can he carry on with the same regard with his words and everything because I think that could make him fall harder than some other players.”
Warner riled England during the last Ashes series with his vitriolic send offs to departing batsman and comments made on and off the field about his opponents.
This came on the back of an incident involving Joe Root at a Birmingham pub where Warner punched the batsman ahead of the first Ashes series of 2013.
“He is a very good player and one of those guys who really winds you up and comes across as a very average individual because of the things he says,” Swann continued.
“He says that is the way he’s been brought up so good luck to him.
“He’s performing on the field but I would never pretend he is a bloke I want to have a beer with.”
Blaze
Guest
No more ordinary than swann dishing up this garbage... I take on board your criticism and accept it was below the belt, but it was said in jest and to add effect, that's all.
Troy Garnhold
Guest
Calum, what I meant was until the end of the tour of Australia. I would have thought that this point was obviou, but I guess you just didn't get it.
t-rex
Guest
I enjoyed Swann as a cricketer. He was great value. I get that non-aussies don't love Warner but really, this smacks of sour grapes. Saying something so obvious as - he won't be as good when he has a dip in form (as what - being man of the series in a title bout against the number 1 side in the world?) is disingenuous.
cwrigh13
Roar Rookie
Who could take anything that Graeme Swann says seriously?
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
On the back of the Root thing, throughout the series in England the whole crowd was laying into him and the way he took it all in good humour was actually really good. He didn't let it get to him at all. He didn't have a great series, but not the worst ever, but in no way did that seem because of anything getting to him, but simply a guy trying to find his way in test cricket and working out the right balance of playing and leaving, attacking and defending, and continually improving and working on his game.
calum
Guest
*he had his
calum
Guest
the end of what? PIetersen stayed until he hd hor contract terminated by the English Cricket Board.
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
"Atgm, don’t try to portray it as though I’m in the wrong" i nvr said u r wrong alec!m just sharing ur thoughts regarding this to my fellow roarers!
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
And KP was the problem with the English team? Sounds like the Aussies got to Swann after he copped so much stick, threw in the towel like a little skirt and sulked home. As mentioned above, I also rated him along with Bell, KP and Broad before the tour. Only Broad and the sacrificial lamb and scapegoat KP came through for me. Bell failed to repeat his batting heroics(Clarke finally decided to have a third man in the home series after Bell scored most of his runs there in England). KP is easy to blame but he was the highest run scorer and often was stuck with the tail. England don't seem to have learned anything with Cook still captain and Flower still involved in the coaching.
Calum
Guest
@blaze. Don't disagree with your general gist but average and unnecessary to drop the bit about swann' grandmother. Some reporter called the nan up (pretty sure Alec swann was on these pages saying his nan is pretty much deaf anyway), then goes and publishes it. Ordinary effort by the reporter and simply incorrect to say that swann went to 'cry to his nan' .
Alec Swann
Expert
To all those jumping in with both feet, please listen to the whole interview. If you still think the same then so be it but taking a snippet in isolation merely exaggerates the meaning. Think Warner's comments regarding Trott in Brisbane where the whole interview gave his comments, ill-judged or not, a better context.
Alec Swann
Expert
Atgm, don't try to portray it as though I'm in the wrong and I've no place defending Graeme. You asked my opinion and I gave it. As for Graeme apologising, what for? He was asked a question and he answered it. You don't have to like it, as you evidently don't, but don'tppretend to be outraged as that does you no favours at all.
TheTruth
Guest
Sorry atgm but he doesnt have to apologise for anything. Right or wrong, the guy is entitled to an opinion just like anyone else and its not like he was offensive, just calling it like he sees it.
Beauty of a geek brains of a bimbo(atgm)
Guest
I requested him to apologise nd he blocked me on twitter hahaha.what an arrogant c!
Troy Garnhold
Guest
Swann was one English player whom I rated, until he walked out mid-tour. I'm no great admirer of Warner as a person but Swann has no credibility at all. At least KP stayed until the end.
Ducko
Guest
Why would you want to have beer with Swann? He'd walk out before his shout, anyway.
Jack
Guest
I'm surprised Graham Swan has come out of hiding so early
ak
Roar Guru
Nobody likes to be sledged. Swann is right.
Mr Sportsbet
Roar Rookie
David Warner was hilarious when he was howling on the last day courtesy of the ABC Grandstand Radio Commentary that I was listening to at the time. His howling was in response to South Africa's comments that said the Australians were like a pack of dogs in the field. What he does works for him at the moment so if it is not broke, than don't try to fix it. Does Graeme Swann really deserve to have his name mentioned in a cricket article?
Ducko
Guest
He's auditioning for a role in the media. He's already appeared on the BBC a few times. Very silly comments from Swann - perhaps he should let his nana do the talking.