MIRPUR, BANGLADESH - AUGUST 30: David Warner of Australia celebrates after scoring his century during day four of the First Test match between Bangladesh and Australia at Shere Bangla National Stadium on August 30, 2017 in Mirpur, Bangladesh. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Former 69-test South African captain Faf du Plessis has labelled Australian batsman David Warner a “bully” to the BBC.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 15: Faf du Plessis of South Africa and Steve Smith of Australia look on after day four of the Second Test match between Australia and South Africa at Blundstone Arena on November 15, 2016 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Du Plessis has reflected in an interview with the BBC on an anecdote from his new book Faf: Through Fire Which has recently been published.

His perspective provides his personal insight into an incident occurring in the now infamous 188-run Australian win during 2018 first test match in Durban.

Warner's verbal abuse in the tunnel directed at Quinton de Kock, and the ball-tampering scandal involving then-captain Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner, was an incident that overshadowed South Africa's first home series win against Australia in 48 years.

The incident resulted in well-publicised suspensions for the players involved.

The four-match series resulted in a 3-1 win for South Africa, with pace bowler Kagiso Rabada winning Player of the Series.

The ball-tampering sandpaper incident named ‘sandpapergate' is discussed in his book and named as his “best chapter”, with du Plessis expressing admiration for Steve Smith and sympathy for Cameron Bancroft.

His thoughts on David Warner, however, were in a different manner.

Australia wanted to bully us,” du Plessis informed the BBC.

“He was a bully,” du Plessis said in regard to David Warner, having no sympathy for his controversial actions.

Faf du Plessis additionally insisted that “I don't have time for bullies.” Stating so, whilst not shying away from similar instances of his own.

‘Zipgate' and ‘Mintgate' were two prior instances where du Plessis was under fire himself.

He was found to have used his zipper to rub the ball against Pakistan in 2013, and in 2016 against Australia he applied residue from a mint onto the ball.

“I'm not perfect,” du Plessis said.

“I've never claimed to be.”

The former captain detailed his book is a “story about failure”, shedding light on his interesting and decorated career, opening up about personal issues.

“They might see me as an elite athlete and cricket captain, but I was a person who was filled with self-doubt and insecurity. And that's Ok.”