Australian captain Michael Clarke on Sunday himself denied reports that all-rounder Shane Watson approached Australia coach Mickey Arthur because he was unhappy with the way he handled the Warner incident.
According to Australia’s Channel Nine television former vice-captain Watson, one of four players dropped for a Test against India in March for failing to produce a written response to Arthur’s request for feedback on how the team could improve, accused the South African of double standards.
Channel Nine suggested it was Watson’s complaint that led to Warner, who was left out of the New Zealand match as officials pondered their next move, being suspended until the Ashes. But Clarke, speaking after Australia training at The Oval on Friday, denied Watson had approached Arthur about Warner.
“Shane certainly didn’t take up with Mickey that he had a problem with how we as a leadership group dealt with it,” Clarke said. “That allegation is completely false.” Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland labelled Warner’s behaviour “despicable” and Clarke said it was wrong for players to be drinking in public after a defeat.
“I think what James has certainly said, and I will echo, after losing a game like we did against England, to be out at that hour celebrating or carrying on like we were celebrating, especially with the opposition, is probably not the right time or place to be having a few drinks,” he said.