Emotions do take over at times, after all, the cricketers are human as well. It happens. Australian players seemed to forget that they were playing international cricket. During the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, proceedings took an ugly turn.
The sledging war between the players was quite visible as Nathan Lyon uncharacteristacally dropped the ball on AB de Villiers’ body followed by an animated celebration after taking his wicket. Then, it crossed all limits when CCTV footage of the dressing room staircase was leaked in which Warner and Quinton de Kock were seen engaging in a verbal spat.
Let’s take a look at the above-mentioned incidents which caused furore on social media —
Lyon’s drop the ball act –
Pure cheek from Nathan Lyon #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/vhuM4tgOHQ
— Josh Money (@JoshMoneyFOX) March 4, 2018
Warner’s animated send-off –
The Wolf of Wall Street is a pretty wild movie #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/qPgnFSxUCb
— Ryan Buckland (@RyanBuckland7) March 4, 2018
The off-the-field spat —
While people are saying that Warner would not have got engaged in a verbal spat off-the-field until and unless provoked, many are criticising him for his behaviour. Even former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist believed that it was a possibility that the reason behind his rage was something personal.
Ugly scenes in Durban. Can only assume something very personal has been throw at @davidwarner31 for this type of reaction. Not a good look all round. #SAvAUS
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 5, 2018
Nevertheless, a perfect day of cricket which took the viewers on a roller coaster ride was stained because of unnecessary controversies. The most shocking being the heated exchange on the staircase where Australian players tried to restrain Warner as he seemed hell-bent on giving De Kock a lesson.
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Cricket Australia are looking into the matter and we should expect a few actions as the first Test ends.
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Earlier, Australian players spammed the stump mic with their sponsors’ name, protesting against the broadcasters as they turned down their request to turn the volume down between overs. It seems like we need the stump mics to stay just the way they are for the rest of the tour.
