In an explosive CCTV footage that has emerged, several Australian players had to restrain opener David Warner, who is seen having a heated exchange with South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock at Tea on day four of the first Test.
According to the Australian media reports, the altercation took place following the exuberant celebrations by the Aussies after the run-out of South African star batsman AB de Villiers.
Emotions seemed to have boiled over as the players made their way to their respective dressing rooms with Warner seen launching a fiery tirade at De Kock.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGNjiUPJ7Dw
In the footage, players from both teams can be seen walking up the stairs and making their way back to their respective dressing rooms. But suddenly Warner emerges, being pushed back by Usman Khawaja.
Smith and Khawaja try to take Warner into the dressing room but the Australian vice-captain was having none of it and tries to confront De Kock who is just behind a few Australian players. Tim Paine joins Khawaja in trying to restrain Warner, who continues to fire verbal volleys at De Kock. South African captain Faf du Plessis can also be seen emerging in a towel following the ruckus. Finally, Warner is taken away from the scene by captain Steve Smith.
However, the cricket fraternity seems divided over the incident. While some feel that Warner must have only reacted this way after a personal attack being hurled at him, some said that if Warner knows how to attack others he should also be up for the taking.
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
Gilly- Warner crossed many personal boundaries with the South Africans, so we can’t be surprised when there is eventually a reaction. If players are happy to give it,they have to be prepared to take it,too. On both sides!
But agreed not a good look. #SAvsAUS https://t.co/obTo0GO2H8— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 5, 2018
Hey Biff, you’re much closer to the action than me so thanks for heads up. Whatever the case, going personal is rubbish from anyone. Get on with the cricket. More importantly mate, how are the #biffstix going? 🔥👍 @GraemeSmith49 https://t.co/k23HPoUw45
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 5, 2018
💯 % with you bud! Im well thx and you Gilly? hope to catch up soon … 🔥🍻 https://t.co/1vYHuYu4SF
— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) March 5, 2018
Totally agree Big Bird … If you are going to give it out & many times he has got close to the personal bone he has to expect a comeback … https://t.co/V2IJ37ZXCV
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/kappie777/status/970571089515569152
Few facts have been left out here….
— Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) March 5, 2018