adminDURBAN. – Yesterday saw just 22 balls of cricket bowled before Australia secured a 118-run victory in the first Test against South Africa in Durban. The big story of the day, though, was the reaction to a video that had surfaced overnight showing CCTV footage of an altercation between Quinton de Kock and David Warner at tea on day four on Sunday.
Warner is visibly upset with De Kock in the video, and following the completion of the match yesterday Aussie captain Steve Smith explained the situation from his side. While Smith acknowledged that the incident was unfortunate and that the rest of the series needed to be played in the spirit of the game, he pointed towards De Kock as the instigator.
“Those sorts of things are not on from both sides,” Smith said at his post-match press conference.
“Getting personal on the field is not on. We were certainly very chirpy out in the field as well. As far as I’m aware, we didn’t get personal towards Quinton. What he said got a little bit personal towards Davey and, as we saw, it certainly provoked an emotional response.”
De Kock was out for 83 yesterday, and he was seen shaking hands with Warner after the match had ended.
The Proteas lasted just 18 minutes and 22 balls on day five before losing their last wicket as they fell to a 118-run defeat to Australia in the first Test in Durban yesterday. It gives the visitors a 1-0 series lead with three Test matches to play.
Having displayed some fight on Sunday thanks largely to a majestic 143 from opener Aiden Markram, South Africa resumed at 293/9 yesterday, needing a further 124 runs for victory. – AFP.
Online Reporter