SA v AUS 2018: Australia and South Africa team managers issue statement on leaked footage of Warner-De Kock spat

Both Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa have said the matter is now in the hands of the International Cricket Council.

Screenshot of the video footage showing an agitated Warner

The video footage of the ugly altercation between Australia opener David Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock took the cricketing world by storm on Monday (March 5).

The leaked video clearly shows Warner pointing and directing a verbal barrage at de Kock, before he was restrained and taken away by his teammates. The unpleasant incident took place when the players of both sides were returning to the dressing room for Tea break during the fourth day of the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban.

Hours after the nasty spat, both Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa have said the matter is now in the hands of the International Cricket Council and whatever happened was unfortunate and uncalled for.

"Following the end of the second session there was an incident involving David Warner and Quinton de Kock on return to the changerooms,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson stated according to cricket.com.au.

"The incident was discussed between the two team managers and the match referee last night and it is now in the hands of the on-field umpires and match referee. Both teams were reminded by the match referee of the spirit in which the game should be played," he added.

If the reports of certain media outlets are to be believed, de Kock had allegedly made personal remarks about Warner's wife, Candice which fired up the Australian opening batsman.

"It's rather unfortunate that the incident took place and certainly not in the spirit of the game," Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee quoted by cricket.com.au as saying.

"The match referee had spoken to us after the day's play. We will await any further communication from the ICC around this incident," he further said.

As far as the result of the match is concerned – Australia won the Durban Test by 118 runs and consequently took a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series.  It took the Aussies just 22 balls to wrap up the Proteas innings on Day 5. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was adjudged Man of the Match for his 9-wicket haul in the match. The second Test will be played at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth on March 9.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 05 Mar, 2018

    Share Via