Quinton de Kock crossed the sledging line in Durban

By David Lord / Expert

South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock faces a heavy fine, even suspension, for reportedly insulting David Warner’s wife Candice during the first Test in Durban.

Australia’s skipper Steve Smith confirmed something personal was said by de Kock in his post-match interview after Australia had won by 118 runs.

“What he said got a little personal towards Davey, and as we saw it certainly provoked an emotional response,” Smith said.

“Those things aren’t on and you can’t be getting into somebody’s personal life … that’s crossing the line.”

Warner exploded, and had to be restrained by teammates. It is universally acknowledged the Australian vice-captain is a very proud family man.

What made de Kock’s alleged comments so personal is that Candice and their two kids are in South Africa.

At least de Kock was seen shaking hands with Warner after Australia’s win. Too little, too late, but better late than never.

Sledging has been an integral part of cricket since captain James Cook played for Botany Harriers, with the exception of the Don Bradman era.

The Don’s edict as captain was crystal clear, sledge and you’ll never play for Australia again.

But in the last 60-odd years, sledging has become an art form.

(AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

And David Warner is a leader in the field, as instanced after he brilliantly ran out AB de Villiers for a duck in the second dig.

He aimed his sledge at opening batsman Aiden Markram for running his partner out, and there have been plenty of critics claiming he went over the top.

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith, now a television commentator, chipped in with his version.

“He can be a bit of a fool at times, it’s best to leave him be”.

But Smith’s comments came before the de Kock incident came to light.

It will be interesting to see how match referee Jeff Crowe deals with de Kock.

Crowe has already moved on Australian offie Nathan Lyon who completed the run out by dropping the ball next to de Villiers when he was still prone on the ground after his desperate dive.

Lyon has pleaded guilty to conduct contrary to the spirit of the game, and has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee.

But Crowe must nip any future bad feeling between the two sides before the series degenerates into open warfare.

The obvious move would be to call both teams into a meeting together in Port Elizabeth before the second Test starts, and read them the riot act.

There’s no point in trying to ban sledging, it’s entrenched in cricket’s DNA.

But there has to be a line drawn in the sand, which would become the benchmark for the series, and beyond.

The big question, will Quinton de Kock be at the meeting, or at home waiting to watch the second Test on television?

The Crowd Says:

2018-03-07T10:05:15+00:00

enoughisenough

Guest


Except of course when its a whole nation booing and abusing a certain Wallaby. That bullying is apparently ok according to you and your kind, isn't it?

2018-03-07T08:16:14+00:00

Robbo

Roar Rookie


Oi Dave. Have you seen the latest video footage of Warner sledging De Kock surrounded by teammates? But nobody heard or saw a thing? So funny.

2018-03-07T04:34:13+00:00

Rob

Guest


The sledging is were things start. Then ego and aggression escalate it. It sometimes ends in fists flying from experience. I'm happy to not surmise the worst but it's behavior that shouldn't be ignored.

2018-03-07T03:59:36+00:00

Nate

Guest


No mention of SBW directly, but a direct reference to the incident involving him. Stop being disingenuous.

2018-03-07T01:59:30+00:00

Sydneysider

Guest


that's right George. Lehmann prefers to call it "good hard cricket". It's pathetic. It's the culture that has been allowed to form over the last 30 years and it is where we are today. The Aussie cricket team are completely different to other Aussie national sporting teams.

2018-03-06T23:39:26+00:00

Good Game

Guest


Smith actually said one more than one occasion "not to my knowledge". But of course SA are lairs. No stump mic = inconclusive. Oh, and no ones arguing that Aust weren't deserved winners. You've taken it out of context.

2018-03-06T23:12:15+00:00

elvis

Guest


Yep that's how it works. Because these people dishing it out are bullies dressing their insults up and calling it "banter". And they deserve all they get back.

2018-03-06T22:58:37+00:00

Osmond

Guest


Erm, no, the situation you describe didn’t even happen. A better example of cognitive dissonance would be arguing that de Kock’s reference to Warner’s wife is a disproportionate response, but at the same time not understanding that the very act of sledging is a disproportionate response to somebody batting or bowling or behind dismissed, or whatever. You know, just playing cricket. Warner and de Kock were both a bit silly. We’re a bit silly to be banging on about it so much.

2018-03-06T22:55:32+00:00

Osmond

Guest


Erm, no, the situation you describe didn’t even happen. A better example of cognitive dissonance would be arguing that de Kock reference to Warner’s wife is a disproportionate response, but at the same time not understanding that the very act of sledging is a disproportionate response to somebody batting or bowling or behind dismissed, or whatever. You know, just playing cricket. Warner and de Kock were both a bit silly. We’re a bit silly to be banging on about it so much.

2018-03-06T22:54:12+00:00

Jacko

Guest


So no mention of SBW then Eh...Told you.....

2018-03-06T22:06:54+00:00

George

Guest


Brett Lee didn't mean his beamers at McCallum. He's an Aussie so he can't cross the line.

2018-03-06T21:27:42+00:00

George

Guest


Seems to be the Lehmann Way (concept borrowed from the saintly one from Kingaroy).

2018-03-06T21:24:27+00:00

George

Guest


I'd like to see Dizzy come in (once Boof's interminable tenure ends) and change the approach.

2018-03-06T21:20:13+00:00

George

Guest


Exactly. Defenders of the ridiculous Aussie 'line' seem also to want to dictate what can and cannot be said in response. How about tell your team to shut up or put up?

2018-03-06T21:18:01+00:00

Brian

Guest


Osmond - no, the situation I described is quite literally the perfect example of cognitive dissonance. And Elvis - that’s completely absurd. So if someone punches you, you have the right to punch them to death? Proportionality of response is basically a cornerstone of human behaviour. I can’t believe we’re even having to have this discussion.

2018-03-06T21:15:37+00:00

George

Guest


Yep. Check out Warner's physical reactions on the field. You really think he spent the arvo saying "Your batting pleases me not Quinton!"?

2018-03-06T21:13:30+00:00

George

Guest


Quite.

2018-03-06T21:07:25+00:00

George

Guest


Except if Australians do it, because there is a line and they do not cross it.

2018-03-06T21:06:21+00:00

George

Guest


*that

2018-03-06T21:04:39+00:00

George

Guest


You simply cannot bear to consider than an Australian could ever not be a bastion of virtue.

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