Cricket Australia and match referee investigating David Warner-Quinton de Kock heated spat

The visitors needed just 22 deliveries on Day 5 to wrap up the South African challenge to go 1-0 up in the series and thus ensuring that there was no on-field drama on the end day. However, the spotlight on the unsavoury behaviour of Warner while returning to the dressing room on the penultimate day of the Test is not supposed to end that early. 

A South African outlet Independent Media published a CCTV footage, which showed that Warner and de Kock were engaged in a verbal spat when players from both the teams were on their way to the dressing rooms at tea. The Australian vice-captain had to be controlled by teammate Usman Khawaja and then captain Steve Smith dragged him away as he was not supposed to end his barb at de Kock. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and other players from the host countries also had to be involved before Warner was escorted away into the dressing room.

Taking a stock of the severity of the matter, CA has revealed that the match referee had talked to both the teams and asked them to abide by the spirit of the game. 

"CA is aware of reports of an incident between players in Durban. CA is working to establish the facts of what has occurred and will not be commenting further until that has been done," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.

“The incident was discussed between the two team managers and the match referee last night and it is now in the hands of the on-field umpires and match referee. Both teams were reminded by the match referee of the spirit in which the game should be played.”

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

The Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has had a long history of being Australia's attack dog when they try to rile the opponents up. Back in 2013, he was sent home from the Champions Trophy and suspended for two Ashes Tests after being involved in a heated altercation in a Birmingham pub with current England captain Joe Root.

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