Australian opener Cameron Bancroft said that Vernon Philander’s provocative Twitter post (in which Vernon later claimed was the creation of hackers) on the Steve Smith-Kagiso Rabada incident has given fresh sledging armory for the Kangaroos ahead of the third Test of the four-match series at Newlands, Cape Town.

Earlier, Philander had expressed his views on Twitter saying, ‘Smith gave KG the shoulder’ and he ‘could have avoided any contact’. But he later withdrew the statement saying his account was hacked. However, the Australian opener has given hints that the African pacer might well have to deal with the consequences now.

Also read: Bancroft was thinking about getting run out in Tests

Speaking to the reporters about Philander’s controversial tweet, Bancroft said, “If our banter is anything like it has gone this series I’m sure it will be brought up at some stage to get on someone’s nerves.”

As quoted in cricket.com.au, Bancroft further added, “That’s boys being boys playing cricket. Who can hurt someone’s feelings the most? It seems to be a bit that way.”

Also read: Bancroft receives Mike Hussey’s back

Cameron seriously feels that whether Vernon had tweeted it or not, he will have to face the repercussions of the same. He said, “We saw the tweet. It was obviously quite popular there for a little while. I can’t really comment. I don’t know if he wrote it or if his account was hacked or not. I can’t really say for him. That’s his opinion, isn’t it, and he’s got to deal with the consequences of that now, not us.”

Meanwhile, Bancroft also gave his insights on the Proteas attack as he said, “They are all very different bowlers. Vernon Philander doesn’t bowl fast but when the ball is reverse-swinging he’s still difficult to play. I think all of their bowlers are unique in different ways.”