The series between Australia and South Africa has got the worst possible starts in spite of Australia winning the first Test on the final day morning. 

The fourth day of the Test match saw an ugly spat between Australia's David Warner and South Africa's Quinton de Kock. A heated war of words went on personal lines as both players were down to verbally abusing each other. 

The CCTV footage showed Warner apparently turning on De Kock as the players walked up a narrow staircase leading to the dressing rooms during the tea break on Sunday.

Vice-captain Warner had to be restrained by his team-mates as he appeared to lose his temper, reportedly over a jibe about his wife Candice, although the South Africans blamed him for sparking the argument.

"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 the match referee," Cricket Australia said on Tuesday.

"Both teams were reminded by the match referee of the spirit in which the game should be played."

Seeing the growing tension between the two teams, former Australian legendary spinner Shane Warne in a tweet asked the respective teams to get over the controversy and concentrate on the Test series. 

"Chat, banter, sledging has always been a part of any series between SA & Oz. Both sides always give it out," he tweeted.

"Respect is the key & and I hope nothing personal was said to any player towards anyone from either side. Have a beer together afterwards & get on with it - stop the whinging!"

Warne received support from former England skipper Michael Vaughan who stood by his opinion.

Meanwhile, Australian great Adam Gilchrist also took to Twitter to voice an opinion, calling the spat "ugly".

"Can only assume something very personal has been thrown at @davidwarner31 for this type of reaction. Not a good look all round," he said.

After all the debates and controversies, Australia won the first Test by 118 runs.