'Don't let the world get in on this'- AB de Villiers urges Mitchell Johnson and David Warner to resolve differences privately

South African cricket icon, AB de Villiers, has called for the resolution of differences between former Australian teammates Mitchell Johnson and David Warner in a private setting.

In a recent article for the West Australian, Johnson questioned Warner receiving a farewell Test, citing his involvement in the Sandpapergate scandal (ball-tampering scandal) and expressing the belief that the southpaw didn't deserve a farewell game. Despite Johnson's statements, the veteran opener has chosen to remain silent on the matter. Meanwhile, Johnson opened up on The Mitchell Johnson Show that Warner sent him a text that he perceived as demeaning, especially in response to the former cricketer's earlier questioning of comments made by Candice Warner, defending her husband's place in the Test team.

"I just don't like this public conversation between the two of them. Just pick up the phone and sort it out. Ask the guy let's go out for a cold drink and sort the issues out. I feel there are some scars from the dressing room but don't let the world get in on this," AB de Villiers said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

"They have played a lot of cricket together and have shared the dressing room a lot. So maybe that's where it started. Maybe Mitchell Johnson felt that 'You're a part of a World Cup winning squad and now this send-off. You're getting away with a lot that needs to be talked about.' I feel there's a lot still left to come out," the 39-year-old added.

On the field, Warner can be brutal, but off the field, he is a gentle giant: AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers, who had played a lot of cricket with David Warner, stated he is 'brutal' on the field but 'gentle' off the field. 

"I have played many cricket games with this guy (Warner) and on the field he can be brutal, but off the field, he is a gentle giant. He is a nice guy. Something switches on the field just like Dale Steyn. I have played with Davey at Delhi Daredevils and maybe there is a bit of short fuse sometimes. Maybe his and Mitch's short fuse collided," the legendary wicketkeeper-batter concluded.