David Warner escapes ban after Durban controversy involving de Kock

(Photo: Getty Images)

By Adam Ellis

David Warner has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee following his off-field bust-up with South Africa wicketkeeper–batsman Quinton de Kock.

The Australian was also handed three demerit points but is available to play in the second Test in Port Elizabeth after avoiding a ban.

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Leaked CCTV footage showed Warner having to be restrained by team-mates in the stairwell which leads the teams to their dressing rooms at Kingsmead. The Australia vice-captain and de Kock had been exchanging sledges that had grown increasingly provocative and, according to Steve Smith, ‘personal’ leading to a confrontation at the end of the afternoon session on day four.

With reports claiming some insults used the subject of the player’s families, Fox News Australia has released footage appearing to show Warner calling de Kock a ‘f****** sook’ prior to when the name-calling came to a head in the stairwell.

Warner’s acceptance of his punishment places him one demerit point away from a Test suspension, the same loose ground upon which South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada stand on after their recent brush with the ICC‘s disciplinary panel.

For his part in the confrontation, de Kock has opted to contest the charge of improper conduct brought against him by the ICC match referee Jeff Crowe. The South African will attend a ICC hearing on Wednesday.