Kane Williamson has come to the defence of disgraced Australian cricketer David Warner, saying while he made a mistake in the recent ball tampering saga, he's not the bad person everyone is making him out to be.
Warner's image has plumetted terribly in the space of a few weeks after he and Proteas keeper Quinton de Kock almost started a brawl in the changing sheds during the first Test in South Africa earlier this month.
Things aren't getting any better now with Cricket Australia's investigation effectively naming the world class opener as the mastermind behind the ball tampering saga.
But Williamson, who has played alongside Warner for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, says he knows the real Warner.
"He's not a bad person by any means," Williamson said.
"They've (Warner and Steve Smith) made a mistake, they've admitted that. And they're disappointed with that action. They have to take that punishment, a strong punishment that it is and move on.
"It's a shame that two world class players have made a mistake."
Williamson also confirmed he's reached out to Warner to check on him.
"We know each other fairly well - I've sent a few texts but that's about it really."
Williamson now turns his attention to tomorrow's second Test against England, which starts at 11am in Christchurch.
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