Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes South Africa will target David Warner by using his wife, Candice, as bait.
‘They’ll be trying to nag him in the next three Test matches about his wife now,’ Hogg predicted. ‘They’ll try and say something concerning Candice in the next three Test matches, which is slightly getting under his skin.
‘To be frank, South Africa have found a little sweet spot with David Warner,’ he told Fox Sports.
This follows the first Test stairwell confrontation between Warner and Quinton de Kock, who allegedly made a comment about Warner’s wife and a previous relationship. Warner had to be physically restrained by his teammates.
At the same time, Australia skipper Steve Smith says his side do not need to step back from their ‘aggressive approach’ when the second Test against South Africa begins in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
Nathan Lyon was fined 15% of his match fee and given one demerit point for behaviour ‘contrary to the spirit of cricket’, after he dropped the ball next to AB de Villiers as he lay on the ground following a run-out.
‘That’s the way we play our best cricket, when we’re aggressive. We’re in the fight together, we’re hunting as a pack as one and we’re working for each other and backing out mates up on the field. I’m comfortable where it’s all at, it’s just ensuring we stay within the spirit of the game.’
Photo: Tracey Nearmy/EPA/BackpagePix
