Peter Handscomb says Australia will keep up the verbals on Jonny Bairstow and England
Thursday 30 November 2017 08:16, UK
Peter Handscomb is making no allowances for his friendship with Jonny Bairstow as he plans further problems for his Yorkshire team-mate in the Ashes.
The Australia batsman was to the fore in the first Test at Brisbane as the hosts piled the 'sledges' into Bairstow - largely on the subject of his 'head-butt' greeting for debutant opener Cameron Bancroft, when they first met in a Perth bar last month.
Handscomb counts the England wicketkeeper as a friend, after playing with him for Yorkshire last summer, and hopes they can pick up where they left off if he ever turns out for the White Rose again.
But as Australia bid to go 2-0 up in this week's inaugural day-night Ashes Test, starting on Saturday, Handscomb is not about to relent.
"I'm not trying to make him feel good about himself - that's not my job. When I played with him at Yorkshire we had a great time together, and I really like Jonny," he said.
"We got along really, really well. But it's a different ball game now."
Handscomb does not expect any long-term hard feelings, however.
"If I ever go back to Yorkshire, I dare say we'll hang out and have a good time and it'll be perfectly fine," he added.
"But during the Ashes, mate, it's about winning the game for Australia first and foremost."
He rated Australia's verbals in Brisbane as high quality too as the hosts swept to a 10-wicket victory.
"As far as sledging goes, it was probably some of the smartest stuff we've ever come up with," he said.
"Generally the Aussie way is (just) pretty brutal. It's something that's part of the game - always has been, always will be.
"So if there's a moment where we can exploit someone's mental capabilities then yes, we're going to go about it."
Handscomb claimed the Aussies would be selective and could decide to change their subject matter for Bairstow and others at the Adelaide Oval.
"There are moments you pick and choose, and obviously the right words," said Handscomb. "There is a line - we just have to make sure we don't cross it.
"We can try and look for some new 'ammo' - we can try and use it. It's generally good bowling or good catching gets guys out.
"But if you can get that one per cent edge over an opposition you'd be silly not to."
