Harris: Hypocritical Warner a ‘bully’

Former South Africa spinner Paul Harris has labelled David Warner a bully, suggesting Australia’s vicecaptain has dished out his fair share of personal abuse.

Warner’s incredible off-field confrontation with Quinton de Kock has overshadowed Australia’s seriesopening victory in Durban, with the ill feeling set to continue when the second test starts in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Footage emerged on Monday of an enraged Warner being restrained by team-mates at tea on day four of the first test. Warner was furious about personal remarks made by de Kock, believed to be about Warner’s wife Candice.

A he said/she said narrative has since developed, with captains Faf du Plessis and Steve Smith disagreeing over whether de Kock was subject to any personal sledging.

‘‘Warner is the type of guy where if things are going well for Australia he’s got a big mouth, but when they’re losing he doesn’t say too much,’’ Harris told AAP.

‘‘When he says something and someone comes back at him – then he gets upset. That’s pretty much all the characteristics of a bully.

‘‘There’s always a common denominator in these sort of things and it seems to be Warner.

‘‘I know, speaking to a couple of the guys, that he does tend to get quite personal,’’ Harris said.