One is unflappable on the field, a fitness fanatic and a family man who cherishes time with his kids.
The other is a relentlessly driven leader who wears his heart on his sleeve and hates being away from the game.
David Warner’s role as stand-in captain of Australia’s Twenty20 side has provided another reminder of the contrasts between him and incumbent skipper Steve Smith.
The 31-year-old has thrived in his latest leadership stint with victories over England and New Zealand booking Australia a spot in next week’s tri-series final in Auckland.
Warner’s transformation from young firebrand to chilled-out father has earned him the moniker “the Reverend”.
And judging by the praise of his teammates, his new-found inner harmony appears to have found its way onto the field even though his white-ball form has been below par.
“With Davey, he’s just really calm; quite unemotional; gives a lot of responsibility to the bowlers to set the fields,” batsman Marcus Stoinis said on Wednesday in Auckland.
“If things don’t go your way, he moves on pretty quickly so you don’t feel too much pressure out there.
“It’s just ‘this is the plan – let’s do it. If it doesn’t work, let’s re-adjust and go again’.”
The only Test player to represent Australia in all three formats this summer, Warner will be a late arrival in Auckland after being given a short break to spend time with his family.
Smith, who on Monday was rewarded for his incredible batting feats with his second Allan Border Medal, will leave for South Africa on Thursday with the Test squad.
Noting that he “hates resting”, the freakishly gifted batsman admitted the gruelling summer schedule had taken its toll on him.
“I was really tired at the back end of those one-dayers … (my mind) was in a completely different place and a place that I didn’t entirely enjoy, to be perfectly honest,” Smith said.
“But these last couple of weeks have been really good, just being able to refresh.
“I actually want to pick up a bat now.”
fp11
Guest
"One is unflappable on the field, a fitness fanatic and a family man who cherishes time with his kids." The other one is a princess.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Yeah - the decision to award the captaincy to the best bat only makes sense if no other player shows leadship qualities and/or no other player is guaranteed selection in the team. It is a methodology that solely looks as being able to consistently keep picking the same captain. I get why the role is less likely to go to a keeper or bowler unless they are exceptional. The question for the Aussies though comes down to who are the guaranteed selections amongst the bats. It is really only Smith and Warner that fit the bill. Bancroft is new, the Marshes have only just come back in to the squad and the selectors love dropping Ussie every chance they get. The comments above indicate that Warner lets those around him have their head a fair bit. I greatly miss the likes of Taylor - there was a man who could apply plans but also adjust on the fly.
Bob Sims
Guest
Yes, it's been refreshing to see how the players respond to Warner. The difference when compared to the players' response to Smith in the ODIs is obvious. Traditionally, except for a few exceptions, at Test level Australia have chosen their best batsman as captain. Once this is done, barring a prolonged loss of form, it makes it very difficult to change the captain, even if its the best thing for the team. Captaincy skills are very important and are often undervalued.