Steve Smith on David Warner altercation: Quinton de Kock got personal

Oz opener David Warner and skipper Steven Smith on Day Five of the first Test against South Africa in Durban yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Personal insults were at the root of a row between Australia's David Warner and South Africa's Quinton de Kock during the tea break of the fourth day of the first Test, their captains said.

The incident is in the hands of match referee Jeff Crowe, with no immediate clarity about when a decision could be expected. CCTV footage showed Warner apparently turning on De Kock as the players walked up a narrow staircase leading to the dressing rooms at the start of the interval in Durban. "What was said and done during that interval was regrettable on both sides," said Australian captain Steven Smith. "Quinton got personal and evoked an emotional response from Davey. Those things are not on from both sides. Getting personal on the field is crossing the line in my opinion."

CCTV footage shows Warner and Quinton de Kock involved in an off-field exchange on Sunday

Smith's version was disputed by South African manager Mohammed Moosajee, who blamed Warner. "There were words said out on the field. If you are saying something you've got to take it and that's the opinion of Quinton. Let the investigations begin and let the match officials decide," said Moosajee.

Faf du Plessis

South African captain Faf du Plessis said the umpires needed to ensure proper behaviour on the field. "From what I've heard there was a lot of personal stuff being said, to and from. Who started it, I don't know. If it was happening on the field it should have been nipped in the bud. "The fact that it spilled over after the field shouldn't have happened."

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