David Warner’s old friend and longtime teammate Usman Khawaja revealed the Aussie opener was never as bossy and on-the-face as his reputation as a cricketer is and that on most occasions, the seniors and coaching staff around him used to direct him to get onto the opposition’s face.

A top-tier batter, perhaps one of the best across all formats, Warner had a different side, contrary to how he conducted himself post-sandpaper gate incident. That earlier side of his personality was slightly nasty, loud and ready to sledge or take down an opponent with some verbal volleys.

Meanwhile, detailing more on that, Khawaja said Warner comes across as someone (in the dressing room and personal life) more subtle than what he portrayed himself as and that he did everything for the team and his mates.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/renegades-have-been-huge-part-of-my-life-aaron-finch-calls-time-on-bbl-t20-career-676490">‘Renegades have been huge part of my life’ - Aaron Finch calls time on BBL, T20 career</a>

Khawaja said like how teams and players deploy strategies to get past their opposition, being loud or rather aggressive was one that Warner used as a technique to help his team win matches.

"For a long period of time, he was in people's faces and doing stuff; but that wasn't always Davey," Khawaja said.&nbsp;

"He was getting told to play a certain way by the coaching staff and people around at certain points. He's such a team player. If you ask him to do something, he'll do it. That's the frustrating part when people come at him because I know he'll do anything he needs to for the team to win a game.

"Back in the day, if the team asked - or coaches or senior players [asked] - to get into the contest or sledge the other teams, he'd do it. He doesn't have to do it, but he wants to help the team, and that's how he felt he had to help the team. You've seen a very different David Warner since he's come back in 2019. He's done it his own way,” Khawaja added.

<h2>He deserves a flowery send-off</h2>

Despite being found guilty in the infamous Sandpaper Gate (in 2018), Warner has emerged as one of the most&nbsp;favourite players&nbsp;for his contribution towards Australian cricket.&nbsp;

Upon walking out to bat for the last time in his Test career, Khawaja revealed what it was to walk beside his old friend, who deserves every bit of flowery send-off that he has got thus far.

"We are pretty tight - probably even tighter after he missed a year of cricket because he went through a really tough time, and I always made sure he was going all right," Khawaja said.&nbsp;

“I always had his back. It's really good to watch that people are getting around him because I think he deserves it; I really do. I think about the journey we've been on, and it is quite emotional,” Khawaja added.

David Warner’s old friend and longtime teammate Usman Khawaja revealed the Aussie opener was never as bossy and on-the-face as his reputation as a cricketer is and that on most occasions, the seniors and coaching staff around him used to direct him to get onto the opposition’s face.

David Warner’s old friend and longtime teammate Usman Khawaja revealed the Aussie opener was never as bossy and on-the-face as his reputation as a cricketer is and that on most occasions, the seniors and coaching staff around him used to direct him to get onto the opposition’s face. A top-tier batter, perhaps one of the best across all formats, Warner had a different side, contrary to how he conducted himself post-sandpaper gate incident. That earlier side of his personality was slightly nasty, loud and ready to sledge or take down an opponent with some verbal volleys. Meanwhile, detailing more on that, Khawaja said Warner comes across as someone (in the dressing room and personal life) more subtle than what he portrayed himself as and that he did everything for the team and his mates. ALSO READ: ‘Renegades have been huge part of my life’ - Aaron Finch calls time on BBL, T20 career Khawaja said like how teams and players deploy strategies to get past their opposition, being loud or rather aggressive was one that Warner used as a technique to help his team win matches. "For a long period of time, he was in people's faces and doing stuff; but that wasn't always Davey," Khawaja said. "He was getting told to play a certain way by the coaching staff and people around at certain points. He's such a team player. If you ask him to do something, he'll do it. That's the frustrating part when people come at him because I know he'll do anything he needs to for the team to win a game. "Back in the day, if the team asked - or coaches or senior players [asked] - to get into the contest or sledge the other teams, he'd do it. He doesn't have to do it, but he wants to help the team, and that's how he felt he had to help the team. You've seen a very different David Warner since he's come back in 2019. He's done it his own way,” Khawaja added. He deserves a flowery send-off Despite being found guilty in the infamous Sandpaper Gate (in 2018), Warner has emerged as one of the most favourite players for his contribution towards Australian cricket. Upon walking out to bat for the last time in his Test career, Khawaja revealed what it was to walk beside his old friend, who deserves every bit of flowery send-off that he has got thus far. "We are pretty tight - probably even tighter after he missed a year of cricket because he went through a really tough time, and I always made sure he was going all right," Khawaja said. “I always had his back. It's really good to watch that people are getting around him because I think he deserves it; I really do. I think about the journey we've been on, and it is quite emotional,” Khawaja added.

Coaches, seniors asked David Warner to sledge opposition players, claims Usman Khawaja

Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly one of the greatest batters of all time. Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989 and soon became a household name, being India's main batter all throughout the 90s. While several injuries did dent his journey, he kept bouncing back and adapted to the changing demands of the game to remain a part of the national side till his international retirement in 2013.&nbsp;

Tendulkar ended with 34,357 runs, scoring as many as 100 international tons and being part of the triumphant MS Dhoni-led India's 2011 ODI World Cup squad. During his 24-year-long illustrious career, the right-hander faced a plethora of quality bowlers and had fierce rivalry with many. Among them, Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq also shared a healthy rivalry with the Indian star batter; dismissing him on quite a few occasions (especially during the epic Chennai Test in 1999). Recently, the legendary spinner recalled an incident when he tried to get into Tendulkar's skin but the ploy backfired.

During the late 90s, both India and Pakistan squared off in several ODIs in Canada. In one of the Indo-Pak face-offs in Canada, Saqlain tried to sledge Tendulkar but ended up feeling guilty about it. "I once had an incident with Sachin. We went to Canada. I had come there after playing County cricket in England. I was a young boy then and I was in my own world of bowling. So after playing County I became a little cocky. Sachin was a very intelligent cricketer. I bowled a very tight first over to him and sledged him. I used some harsh words. "

"He came to me and said very nicely "Saqi... I never thought you would do this. And you don't even appear the kind of person who would say such words. I thought you're a very decent person". He said it so nicely and believe me for the next 4 overs, his words hit me. I was so consumed by what he said to me that before I could realise, he had done his job. He got set while batting," Saqlain said while speaking on The Nadir Ali podcast.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-australia-former-captain-virat-kohli-eyes-plethora-of-records-in-odi-series-vs-men-in-yellow-572659">India vs Australia: Former captain Virat Kohli eyes plethora of records in ODI series vs Men in Yellow</a>

'How well did he trap me. Not with the bat, but only by using his words'

The Pakistani spinner added, "These are tactics. When someone talk to you nicely, you start thinking about it. While I was in my own thoughts, Sachin kept hitting at least one boundary in the next 4-5 overs and I began respecting him. When he finally stepped out and smashed another four, I felt a slap on my face. I then realised 'He played a game with me'. By then he was well set and things had gotten out of my hands. Later in the evening, we met and the hotel and I said to him 'You're a clever person'. And he started smiling. How well did he trap me. Not with the bat, but only by using his words."

Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly one of the greatest batters of all time. Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989 and soon became a household name, being India's main batter all throughout the 90s.

Sachin Tendulkar is undoubtedly one of the greatest batters of all time. Tendulkar made his international debut in 1989 and soon became a household name, being India's main batter all throughout the 90s. While several injuries did dent his journey, he kept bouncing back and adapted to the changing demands of the game to remain a part of the national side till his international retirement in 2013. Tendulkar ended with 34,357 runs, scoring as many as 100 international tons and being part of the triumphant MS Dhoni-led India's 2011 ODI World Cup squad. During his 24-year-long illustrious career, the right-hander faced a plethora of quality bowlers and had fierce rivalry with many. Among them, Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq also shared a healthy rivalry with the Indian star batter; dismissing him on quite a few occasions (especially during the epic Chennai Test in 1999). Recently, the legendary spinner recalled an incident when he tried to get into Tendulkar's skin but the ploy backfired. During the late 90s, both India and Pakistan squared off in several ODIs in Canada. In one of the Indo-Pak face-offs in Canada, Saqlain tried to sledge Tendulkar but ended up feeling guilty about it. "I once had an incident with Sachin. We went to Canada. I had come there after playing County cricket in England. I was a young boy then and I was in my own world of bowling. So after playing County I became a little cocky. Sachin was a very intelligent cricketer. I bowled a very tight first over to him and sledged him. I used some harsh words. " "He came to me and said very nicely "Saqi... I never thought you would do this. And you don't even appear the kind of person who would say such words. I thought you're a very decent person". He said it so nicely and believe me for the next 4 overs, his words hit me. I was so consumed by what he said to me that before I could realise, he had done his job. He got set while batting," Saqlain said while speaking on The Nadir Ali podcast. Also read: India vs Australia: Former captain Virat Kohli eyes plethora of records in ODI series vs Men in Yellow 'How well did he trap me. Not with the bat, but only by using his words' The Pakistani spinner added, "These are tactics. When someone talk to you nicely, you start thinking about it. While I was in my own thoughts, Sachin kept hitting at least one boundary in the next 4-5 overs and I began respecting him. When he finally stepped out and smashed another four, I felt a slap on my face. I then realised 'He played a game with me'. By then he was well set and things had gotten out of my hands. Later in the evening, we met and the hotel and I said to him 'You're a clever person'. And he started smiling. How well did he trap me. Not with the bat, but only by using his words."

Pakistan great recalls how Sachin Tendulkar 'trapped' him with words after he sledged the Indian legend

India and Australia were engaged in a high-voltage four-match Test series Down Under in 2020/21. After Virat Kohli-led India lost the opening Test, in Adelaide, by eight wickets -- being dismissed for a paltry 36 in the second essay -- many thought it would all go downhill&nbsp;for the visitors from thereon.&nbsp;

With no Kohli for the remainder of the series, the onus fell on stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane. India not only levelled the series in the second Test, at the MCG, Melbourne, they managed to secure a draw form the jaws of defeat in the third and penultimate match, in Sydney, before winning the series decider in style at The Gabba, Brisbane.

There were plenty of eye-catching moments in the series, including Rishabh Pant's counterattack, Cheteshwar Pujara's rocksolid presence, R Ashwin-Hanuma Vihari's blockathon, Md Siraj battling racial abuse to shine&nbsp;with the ball, sledging, etc. Recently, Ashwin recalled the intense verbal spat with then Aussie Test captain Tim Paine during the last session of the SCG Test.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-skipper-rohit-sharma-set-to-leave-for-england-on-june-20-report-488999">Team India skipper Rohit Sharma set to leave for England on June 20: Report</a>

During Ashwin-Vihari's unbroken 62-run sixth-wicket stand, keeper-captain Paine tried to distract the wily spin all-rounder as hosts were eyeing a win in defence of 407. The two Indian batters had joined in with the score 272-5 and, hence, had more than a session to play for a draw. With them going well, captain Paine tried to resort to sledging.&nbsp;He told Ashwin, "can't wait to get him to the Gabba". To this, the 35-year-old said, "can't wait to take him to India which would be his last series".

Recently, Ashwin spilled the beans on his statement. "I think Vihari will remember why I said that as well. Because we had a discussion on the way Tim Paine was batting through the series. I kept telling these guys and we got a very different sort of a short leg position, which was forward short leg and then we usually have a leg slip. We had a chat... Rahane, myself, Vihari and we said, 'Pujara will generally stand at leg slip but this guy won't stand with the helmet. Let's put him somewhere else and get this guy under the lid'," Ashwin said during the trailer launch of the just-released docu-series “Bandon Mein Tha Dum” (i.e. a celebration of&nbsp;India's famous Test series triumph over the Aussies&nbsp;during the 2020/21 tour).

"We had this conversation and parked him there in a very awkward position and he (Paine) actually nicked off there. We had a celebration and I told Vihari, 'This guy better not come to India. If he actually comes to India, he will be going there every single time. At the end of the day, he was having a go at us when we were batting and it just came out of my mind because we had a conversation like that. It was very instantaneous," he further added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-knew-this-could-be-a-game-changing-moment-rahane-recalls-mix-up-with-virat-kohli-in-adelaide-test-488795">'I knew this could be a game-changing moment' - Rahane recalls mix-up with Virat Kohli in Adelaide Test</a>

Paine-Ashwin sledging didn't stop at once. Paine had replied saying, "At least my teammates like me, d**khead. I’ve got a lot more Indian friends than you do. “Even your teammates think you’re a goose. Don’t they? Every one of them," he continued.

Ashwin&nbsp;countered by saying,&nbsp;“Tell me when you’re done". "I’ll talk all day, mate. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal,” Paine responded. To Paine and many Aussies' surprise, India went to the Gabba Test with the series levelled at 1-1 and won the final encounter by three wickets, chasing an improbable 327 on the final day. With this, they breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress as well.

India and Australia were engaged in a high-voltage four-match Test series Down Under in 2020/21. After Virat Kohli-led India lost the opening Test, in Adelaide, by eight wickets -- being dismissed for a paltry 36 in the second essay -- many thought it would all go downhill for the visitors from thereon.

India and Australia were engaged in a high-voltage four-match Test series Down Under in 2020/21. After Virat Kohli-led India lost the opening Test, in Adelaide, by eight wickets -- being dismissed for a paltry 36 in the second essay -- many thought it would all go downhill for the visitors from thereon. With no Kohli for the remainder of the series, the onus fell on stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane. India not only levelled the series in the second Test, at the MCG, Melbourne, they managed to secure a draw form the jaws of defeat in the third and penultimate match, in Sydney, before winning the series decider in style at The Gabba, Brisbane. There were plenty of eye-catching moments in the series, including Rishabh Pant's counterattack, Cheteshwar Pujara's rocksolid presence, R Ashwin-Hanuma Vihari's blockathon, Md Siraj battling racial abuse to shine with the ball, sledging, etc. Recently, Ashwin recalled the intense verbal spat with then Aussie Test captain Tim Paine during the last session of the SCG Test. ALSO READ | Team India skipper Rohit Sharma set to leave for England on June 20: Report During Ashwin-Vihari's unbroken 62-run sixth-wicket stand, keeper-captain Paine tried to distract the wily spin all-rounder as hosts were eyeing a win in defence of 407. The two Indian batters had joined in with the score 272-5 and, hence, had more than a session to play for a draw. With them going well, captain Paine tried to resort to sledging. He told Ashwin, "can't wait to get him to the Gabba". To this, the 35-year-old said, "can't wait to take him to India which would be his last series". Recently, Ashwin spilled the beans on his statement. "I think Vihari will remember why I said that as well. Because we had a discussion on the way Tim Paine was batting through the series. I kept telling these guys and we got a very different sort of a short leg position, which was forward short leg and then we usually have a leg slip. We had a chat... Rahane, myself, Vihari and we said, 'Pujara will generally stand at leg slip but this guy won't stand with the helmet. Let's put him somewhere else and get this guy under the lid'," Ashwin said during the trailer launch of the just-released docu-series “Bandon Mein Tha Dum” (i.e. a celebration of India's famous Test series triumph over the Aussies during the 2020/21 tour). "We had this conversation and parked him there in a very awkward position and he (Paine) actually nicked off there. We had a celebration and I told Vihari, 'This guy better not come to India. If he actually comes to India, he will be going there every single time. At the end of the day, he was having a go at us when we were batting and it just came out of my mind because we had a conversation like that. It was very instantaneous," he further added. ALSO READ | 'I knew this could be a game-changing moment' - Rahane recalls mix-up with Virat Kohli in Adelaide Test Paine-Ashwin sledging didn't stop at once. Paine had replied saying, "At least my teammates like me, d**khead. I’ve got a lot more Indian friends than you do. “Even your teammates think you’re a goose. Don’t they? Every one of them," he continued. Ashwin countered by saying, “Tell me when you’re done". "I’ll talk all day, mate. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal,” Paine responded. To Paine and many Aussies' surprise, India went to the Gabba Test with the series levelled at 1-1 and won the final encounter by three wickets, chasing an improbable 327 on the final day. With this, they breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress as well.

Ashwin recalls intense sledging episode with Paine, shares story behind 'that will be your last series' remark

Virat Kohli-led team impressed with both bat and ball as the side thrashed England by 151 runs in the second Test at Lord's on Monday to go 1-0 lead in a five-match series after just their third win in 19 Tests at the 'home of cricket' followed a rain-marred draw at Trent Bridge.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-batsman-azhar-ali-returns-to-somerset-for-3rd-stint-with-club-406745" hreflang="en">Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali returns to Somerset for 3rd stint with Club</a>

During the match, several heated arguments between both teams included players like Virat Kohli, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Jaspreet Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj took place. Umpires were constantly seen calming several situations down during the match.&nbsp;

KL Rahul, in the post-match conference, addressed the issue and said that if the opposition will engage then the team will give it back. However, former England cricketer Nick Compton was not impressed with the verbal banter between the hosts and Team India and went on to call Kohli the "most fouled mouthed individual".

In a tweet, that was later deleted, Compton said: "Isn't Kohli the most foul mouthed individual. I'll Never forget the barrage of abuse I received in 2012 when the swearing stunned me to the point that he did himself a serious disservice. It highlights what a level headed and grounded man Root, Tendulkar, Williamson et al are".

<img alt="Nick Compton" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a0aac720-41e3-40a9-8682-c83857eb4c70" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/untitled%20image%20-%202021-08-19T141947.015.jpg" />

The cricketer later deleted the tweet, but he received a lot of flak from netizens for his tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Where were you when - 
 
Anderson Insulted Ashwin 
Buttler insulted Philander in his farewell match. 
 
It was England who started with mouth against Bumrah when he came to bat... <a href="https://t.co/I55vWshFIG">pic.twitter.com/I55vWshFIG</a>
— Abhinav (@Abhicricket18) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhicricket18/status/1427989016176070667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Crying about being sledge by Kohli back in 2012. 😭😭😭 Really living rent free.
— Andy (@WeBleedBlue007) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeBleedBlue007/status/1427988808931315713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Indian skipper Kohli said that the constant verbals between his side and England in the second Test motivated his boys to finish the game off.&nbsp;

"But this one, to get a result in 60 overs, when we all thought let's just have a crack at what we have in front of us... It's quite special and especially when someone like Siraj is playing for the first time at Lord`s and bowling the way he did, it was outstanding. As I said, what happened on the field really charged us up and gave us that extra motivation to finish the game off," said Kohli.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led team impressed with both bat and ball as the side thrashed England by 151 runs in the second Test at Lord's on Monday to go 1-0 lead in a five-match series after just their third win in 19 Tests at the 'home of cricket' followed a rain-marred draw at Trent Bridge.

Virat Kohli-led team impressed with both bat and ball as the side thrashed England by 151 runs in the second Test at Lord's on Monday to go 1-0 lead in a five-match series after just their third win in 19 Tests at the 'home of cricket' followed a rain-marred draw at Trent Bridge. ALSO READ: Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali returns to Somerset for 3rd stint with Club During the match, several heated arguments between both teams included players like Virat Kohli, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Jaspreet Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj took place. Umpires were constantly seen calming several situations down during the match. KL Rahul, in the post-match conference, addressed the issue and said that if the opposition will engage then the team will give it back. However, former England cricketer Nick Compton was not impressed with the verbal banter between the hosts and Team India and went on to call Kohli the "most fouled mouthed individual". In a tweet, that was later deleted, Compton said: "Isn't Kohli the most foul mouthed individual. I'll Never forget the barrage of abuse I received in 2012 when the swearing stunned me to the point that he did himself a serious disservice. It highlights what a level headed and grounded man Root, Tendulkar, Williamson et al are". The cricketer later deleted the tweet, but he received a lot of flak from netizens for his tweet. Where were you when - Anderson Insulted Ashwin Buttler insulted Philander in his farewell match. It was England who started with mouth against Bumrah when he came to bat... pic.twitter.com/I55vWshFIG — Abhinav (@Abhicricket18) August 18, 2021 × Crying about being sledge by Kohli back in 2012. 😭😭😭 Really living rent free. — Andy (@WeBleedBlue007) August 18, 2021 × Indian skipper Kohli said that the constant verbals between his side and England in the second Test motivated his boys to finish the game off. "But this one, to get a result in 60 overs, when we all thought let's just have a crack at what we have in front of us... It's quite special and especially when someone like Siraj is playing for the first time at Lord`s and bowling the way he did, it was outstanding. As I said, what happened on the field really charged us up and gave us that extra motivation to finish the game off," said Kohli.

'Virat Kohli is the most foul mouthed individual', tweets former England cricketer; later deletes it

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