Controversial Australian batsman David Warner stated on Sunday that heated on-field exchanges between him and a South African rival in Pretoria were “friendly banter”.
Spat: David Warner and South African wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile were the pair involved. Photo: Getty Images
An umpire had to halt play twice Saturday as sledging between Warner and Thami Tsolekile in a drawn four-day ‘A’ international reached boiling point.
Warner sledged wicketkeeper Tsolekile while the South African was batting Friday and the war of words resurfaced 24 hours later when the Australian was at the LC de Villiers Oval crease.
“Great to be back playing cricket, had lots of fun this week and a bit of friendly banter from the wicketkeeper. Was very funny!” Warner tweeted.
Cricket Australia declined to intervene, saying in a statement that “no report has been filed by the umpires and no action will, therefore, be taken”.
The exchanges became so heated Saturday that Vaughn van Jaarsveld had to pull Tsolekile away from Warner, who was sent to Africa to sort out batting and behaviour issues. – AFP
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