Aussies wrap up First Test
DURBAN: Australia wrapped up a 118-run win on the fifth day of the First Test against South Africa yesterday but the result is likely to be overshadowed by an ugly bust-up between David Warner and Quinton de Kock.
It took Australia 18 minutes and 22 balls to claim the last South African wicket when De Kock swung across the line and was leg before wicket to Josh Hazlewood for 83.
South Africa were bowled out for 298, adding five runs to their overnight total of 293 for nine
The win gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.
Just before the rapid conclusion of the match, however, video footage emerged showing Aussie firebrand Warner pointing and directing a verbal barrage at De Kock during Sunday’s play at Kingsmead before he was restrained and pulled away by his teammates.
The incident reportedly took place as the players were returning to their dressing rooms at tea.
“CA (Cricket Australia) is aware of reports of an incident between players in Durban,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said in a statement.
“CA is working to establish the facts of what has occurred and will not be commenting further until that has been done.”
The Australians had earlier been criticised for their ebullient celebration of the dramatic runout of Proteas’ star batsman AB de Villiers.
De Villiers was run out for nought after being involved in a mix-up with opening batsman Aiden Markram, with Warner playing a key fielding role in securing the crucial wicket.
The vice-captain then led ecstatic celebrations with his teammates as Nathan Lyon, who had knocked off the bails, dropped the ball towards a sprawled De Villiers as he ran over to join them.
In a statement issued by Cricket South Africa yesterday, team manager Mohammed Moosajee said: “It’s rather unfortunate that the incident took place and certainly not in the spirit of the game.”
The Australians’ behaviour was slammed by former South African captain Graeme Smith, who told Cricket Australia’s cricket.com.au website in Durban that Lyon as an experienced cricketer would “probably say (his action) was unnecessary himself.”