Former England spinner Graeme Swann has slammed Australian opener David Warner's claims of enjoying sledging by opponents, saying that Warner will struggle to maintain his confrontational style when he fails to perform.
Following a century on day four of the final Test against South Africa, where the third umpire overturned a decision to dismiss Vernon Philander and officials had to step in to calm tempers, Warner claimed that he would not change his approach as he loves it when opponents come at him.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Swann however believes that Warner would not be so vocal when the runs dry up for him and said that he knew Warner does not like being 'sledged' because anyone who says that they 'love it when people have a go' at them is all a part of their 'bravado'.
Swann also said that Warner, who has scored 1066 runs at 71.06 in his past eight Tests, is an intimidating player and is having a 'purple patch,' but it would be interesting to see if Warner can carry on with the 'same regard with words' when that patch finishes.
Warner reportedly irritated England during their last Ashes series with his bitter send offs to departing batsman Joe Root, whom Warner had punched at a Birmingham pub ahead of the first Ashes series of 2013, and comments made on and off the field about his opponents.
Swann said that Warner is a very good player who really winds up his opponents, adding that Warner is 'bloke' with whom he wants to have a beer.