I think the less interest you take in David Warner the better, says Graeme Smith

After Australia had a torrid time getting AB de Villiers out, whose unbeaten 71-run knock in the first innings had kept the hosts in the competition amidst a flurry of wickets, the visitors were able to get rid of him in just one ball yesterday. A terrible miscommunication between de Villiers and Aiden Markram saw the former falling short of his crease as David Warner made no mistake in getting him run-out.     

It was the turning point of the game as South Africa eventually lost the game by 118 runs despite some late heroics by Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock. However, all the headlines from the fourth day of the Test had been sucked by Lyon and Warner's celebration upon getting de Villiers out, which has been frowned upon by many. The situation was further exacerbated by a verbal altercation between Warner and de Kock during the Tea break. 

Former Proteas skipper, Graeme Smith, did not enjoy the manner it was all played out and has asked the side to pay less heed to Warner.

"We’ve got used to Davey over the years. I think the less interest you take in him the better. He can be a bit of a fool at times. It’s best just to let him be,” said Smith, reported cricket.com.au after a video surfaced online of the altercation. 

After dislodging the bails, Lyon was seen throwing the ball beside ADB’s ears for which he was even charged by ICC and was awarded one demerit point. 

“The Aussies were pretty fired up at that time pushing for a victory.But he (Lyon) is an experienced cricketer. I think he’ll probably say it was unnecessary himself,” said Smith.

Adam Gilchrist, however, took to Twitter to defend his teammates as he wrote, “Ugly scenes in Durban. Can only assume something very personal has been throw at @davidwarner31 for this type of reaction. Not a good look all around.” 

Smith responded Gilchrist's tweet by stating, "Warner crossed many personal boundaries with the South Africans, so we can’t be surprised when there is eventually a reaction. If players are happy to give it, they have to be prepared to take it, too. On both sides! But agreed not a good look.”

Though Australia came out on the top in the first Test match, Aussie captain Steven Smith lauded Markram’s knock of 148.

“I think everyone that’s played the game has hard moments and that’s what makes the hundred from Markram so special,” Smith said. “He’s had to work, he’s showed great composure, the Aussies were all over him after that runout. Everyone wants to be competitive, people love watching that. I think there’s always a line that you’ve got to be careful you don’t cross,” concluded Smith.