Emotions between KG Rabada and Quinton de Kock boil over. Photo: Screengrabs.
No incident illustrated the pressure the Proteas are experiencing in the Test series against India than Kagiso Rabada and Quinton de Kock swearing at each other on the field on Friday.
Virat Kohli and co smashed an impotent South African attack on the second day of the second Test in Pune to the tune of 601/5.
But Rabada was nonetheless the Proteas’ star performer, ending with creditable figures of 3/93.
He also bowled with precious little luck, which undoubtedly proved frustrating.
It reached boiling point in the 123rd over of the innings, when Rabada lobbed the ball back to wicketkeeper De Kock, who was inattentive and missed it.
The quick-thinking Kohli decided to steal an unnecessary single.
Rabada was caught on camera clearly telling De Kock to “Watch the f****** ball”.
De Kock responded with a few words on his own, ending his retort with what appears to be “F*** you, mate”.
The two men were ready to resume their war of words after the over had been completed, which required captain Faf du Plessis to actively intervene.
South Africa ended the day on a wobbly 36/3.
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
