Port Elizabeth: The great irony in David Warner's ugly stairwell standoff with Quinton de Kock is that it was only a matter of a couple of weeks ago that his fine leadership, of the Australian Twenty20 team, was a discussion topic, to the point it seemed as if he may take over that post on a full-time basis.

The T20 side, hitherto a perpetual under-achiever, was in good hands under a positive Warner, with the Best of the Big Bash" team winning a tri-series involving New Zealand and England to vault up the format's world rankings, whatever they are worth.

Australian vice-captain David Warner confronts South Africa\'s Quinton de Kock at Kingsmead. Credit:AAP

Importantly, Steve Smith was able to have a breather before this Test series in South Africa.

Warner's image has taken a public battering as a result of leaked CCTV footage of his heated altercation at Kingsmead but internally, it appears the episode will not diminish his standing as a senior figure in the team.

Smith offered support in the aftermath of Australia's victory in Durban, explaining that Warner's furious reaction to an insult from de Kock about his wife, Candice, was understandable, if regrettable.