Ashes 2021: Shane Warne says “Jeez, you’re a bit harsh on me”

Ashes 2021: Shane Warne has disclosed that Steve Smith called him to discuss his public dissatisfaction. Criticism of the right-handed batter’s selection as Australia’s vice-captain for the Ashes 2021. After Smith found his words ‘harsh,’ Warne said they “talked it out,” adding that they both respect each other’s perspectives.

Shane Warne mocked Steve Smith’s appointment, claiming that it was his “second opportunity” to represent Australia after the ball-tampering controversy. Smith, according to the former leg-spinner, did not deserve to be Test vice-captain. Warne went so far as to remark that Cricket Australia (CA) should “throw the code of conduct out the window.”

“I spoke to Steve Smith. He messaged me and said, ‘Jeez, you’re a bit harsh on me aren’t you’ and we talked it out. That’s what respect does. Just because someone doesn’t like your opinion doesn’t mean you have to get nasty and personal about it. Everyone’s allowed to have their opinion.” he said

Steve Smith

“I was happy Steve Smith contacted me because I consider him a friend. We’ve worked together at the Rajasthan Royals, I used to work with him when he was bowling. It was a leg-spinner a long-time ago? So we’ve got a respect for each other and it was nice of him to actually ring me and say, ‘Mate, why did you think that?’ I told him my point of view and he said, ‘I understand it and I’m sure a lot of people have that point of view too.’” Shane Warne added

Therefore, Steve Smith’s official return to the Australian leadership group went ahead without a hitch. Pat Cummins, the new skipper, was superb with his fielding and bowling strategies, assisting the hosts in reducing England to 147 runs. Cummins didn’t seem phased by the extra responsibility, and he even managed a five-wicket haul (5/38).

“Like he said to me, he said ‘Mate, you’ve been in the game for 30-odd years, you’ve earned the right to have your opinion and I respect it, I just don’t agree with it.’ And that’s OK, I Just think there’s been too much if you have a different opinion.” he said

Due to rain and poor lighting, the first day of the Gabba Test was curtailed short following England’s innings. When play starts tomorrow at 5:30 IST, Steve Smith is expected to make his first appearance in the longest format in almost a year.

Read more: Ashes Test Series: Michael Vaughan says “Staggered no Broad on this kind of surface”

Visit also: Aakash Chopra feels Ravindra Jadeja might edge out R Ashwin for a place in Team India’s playing XI

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