Hot head Aussie batsman David Warner has done it again – having to be dragged away from South Africa’s Quinton de Kock as the two walked in to the dressing rooms during Sunday’s play at Kingsmead in Durban.
Footage from a CCTV camera inside the player’s grandstand shows Warner being hauled away by team-mates, including captain Steven Smith, as he screams abuse at De Kock while the teams walk up the steps during the tea interval on the fourth day.
For his part the South African wicket-keeper De Kock takes it all in his stride – not allowing Warner’s tirade to unsettle him.
In the end Australian keeper Tim Paine is forced to step in and push Warner into the visitor’s dressing room to end the unsavoury altercation.
The footage has been aired by South African outlet Independent Media.
The reason for Warner’s fury was allegedly derogatory comments made about Warner’s wife, Candice. Warner’s family, including his two children, are travelling with him on the South African tour.
This is just another flare-up involving Warner after a similar incident with England’s Joe Root. Shortly beforehand Warner had given Markram an earful when he ran out AB de Villiers after a mix-up.
Warner was not charged for that incident, but Nathan Lyon was, as the bowler appeared to drop the ball close to de Villiers while he lay on the ground.
When questioned about Warner’s latest outburst Cricket Australia said they were investigating the incident but it was up to the on-field umpires and the match referee to decide if any action should be taken.
Tempers flared after this celebration by Nathan Lyon (3R) after taking a throw from David Warner (L) to run out South African batsman AB de Villiers.
“The incident was discussed between the two team managers and the match referee Sunday night and it is now in the hands of the on-field umpires and the match referee,” CA said on Monday.
“Both teams were reminded by the match referee of the spirit in which the game should be played.”
Warner was no doubt frustrated by Australia managing just one wicket between lunch and tea with de Kock and Aiden Markram forging a partnership that threatened to take South Africa close to their 417-run target.
“It’s rather unfortunate that the incident took place and certainly not in the spirit of the game,” said South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee.
“The match referee has spoken to us after the day’s play. We will await any further communication from the ICC around this incident.”