You can't beat the Aussies when it comes to on-field boorishness in cricket. Steve Smith's men ensured that they took the thunder away from New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum with questionable behaviour on Day 4 of the second Australia-New Zealand Test match at Christchurch on Tuesday.
New Zealand were batting on 196/4 in their second innings, a lead of 61 with Kane Williamson and Corey Anderson at the crease. In the last over before lunch, Australian pace-bowler Josh Hazlewood bowled a beautiful yorker to Williamson, rapping him on the pads.
After a long, protracted appeal, umpire Ranmore Martinesz adjudged him not out. Australia immediately asked for a review and it went up to third umpire Richard Illingworth. However, Australia were out of luck – Illingworth went through the replays and noticed, on the "Hot Spot" graphic, that there was a small mark on the bat. The decision thus remained "not out".
Australia were furious. Steve Smith strode in and demanded an explanation. And if you listen to the audio closely, around the 2.08 minute mark, Hazlewood is clearly heard saying, "Who the f**k is the third umpire?"
The incident led to widespread condemnation in the cricket fraternity with both Hazlewood and Smith copping bans.
Hazlewood did get some support though, predictably from some other Australian cricketers:
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!