Kiwi skipper Williamson says David Warner ‘not bad person’
WELLINGTON:New He’s not a bad guy. He’s made a mistake and certainly admitted that and they are disappointed with that action.
KANE WILLIAMSON, NZ skipper
Zealand captain Kane Williamson has gone in to bat for embattled Australian vice-captain Dave Warner, saying the man claimed to be the ringleader of the ball-tampering incident is “not a bad person.”
Williamson might have welcomed the chance to join many other leading current or former players in piling on to the pugnacious Warner. Instead he expressed sympathy and understanding for Warner and Smith who, he said, were paying heavily for a single lapse in judgement.
Williamson said he had been in touch by text with Warner, with whom he plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. “He’s not a bad person by any means,” Williamson said. “Through what’s eventuated in recent times, there’s been a lot of emotion and energy pointed at players which has gone to extreme lengths.
“It will blow over in time, but it’s grown and grown and, like I say, he’s not a bad guy. He’s made a mistake and certainly admitted that and they are disappointed with that action.” Williamson said Warner and Smith “will have to take the strong punishment and move on. You always learn from tough lessons and I’m sure they’ll do that. But it is a shame that two fantastic, world-class players have made a mistake.”
Williamson acknowledged New Zealand had made a conscious effort in recent years to play in a way which demonstrated respect for opponents and the sport. “For us it’s about how we want to play the game, that’s important to us,” he said. “It’s been part of our environment for some time and we want to maintain that. We believe it suits us as people and so we want to commit to that, play as hard and well as we can on the park, but at the end of the day the game finishes and you’re still people.” Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it. I understand the distress this has caused the sport. It’s a stain on the game of cricket we all love and I have loved since I was a boy.
David Warner on Instagram
I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisers. You will hear from me in a few days. I lied. I lied about the sandpaper. I panicked in that situation and I’m very sorry ... I feel like I’ve let everyone down in Australia. I want to say that I’m very sorry ... I’m very disappointed and I regret my actions ... It is something I will regret for the rest of my life.
Cameron Bancroft