Warner rage after wife barb

Australian Test vice-captain David Warner’s stunning tea-time rampage in Durban was sparked by an alleged comment about his wife Candice from South African rival Quinton de Kock.

Relations between the Australian and South African teams have become incredibly strained once again.

It comes after dramatic footage emerged on Monday of Warner being restrained by teammates in an off-field confrontation with de Kock during the first Test.

The CCTV video, published by South African outlet Independent Media, shows a fired-up Warner remonstrating with de Kock as the teams walked upstairs to the change rooms during Sunday’s tea break.

Warner is physically held back by Usman Khawaja then shepherded into Australia’s rooms by skipper Steve Smith.

Smith’s counterpart Faf du Plessis emerges from the hosts’ rooms, having words with Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine.

Warner’s rage was ignited by comments made by de Kock while players were walking off the field. Warner’s wife Candice Warner is currently in Durban.

‘‘It’s rather unfortunate that the incident took place and certainly not in the spirit of the game,’’ South Africa’s team manager Mohammed Moosajee said in a statement. ‘‘The match referee had spoken to us after the day’s play. We will await any further communication from the ICC around this incident.’’

International Cricket Council laws dictate players can be charged for conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game.

The tea-time incident will raise further questions about Warner’s conduct. He has been somewhat of a cleanskin since being appointed vice-captain following the 2015 Ashes, but Cricket Australia (CA) heavies are unlikely to be very pleased with the latest episode.