Tensions reached boiling point on the third afternoon of the Johannesburg Test between South Africa and India when umpire Marais Erasmus was required to split up a heated clash between Marco Jansen and Jasprit Bumrah.
Jansen has caught the eye in the first two Tests of his career. At 21, he is already performing a crucial role for his side, taking 12 wickets at 18.50 as well as being tasked with batting seven, operating as the side’s sole all-rounder
On the third afternoon – with India looking to set a target out of South Africa’s reach – Jansen got involved in a verbal altercation with his former Mumbai Indians teammate, Bumrah.
After a succession of short balls delivered by Jansen, the pair shared a heated exchange. After the third ball of the 53rd over, Bumrah was struck on the shoulder before gesturing to ‘brush off’ the area in question as if to signal that the blow caused him no pain.
Jansen delivered yet another short delivery next up, one that yet again hit Bumrah, this time on the back. Bumrah then said a few words to Jansen who, after initially looking to turn back to his mark, turned around to address Bumrah’s remarks.
The pair then walked towards each other to continue the exchange before Erasmus ran to separate the pair, gesturing for both players to walk away from each other.
Former South Africa quick Dale Steyn waded into the debate on what occurred by tweeting: “I swear I remember Bumrah doing the same thing to a Mr James Anderson not too long ago. Learn to take it kid.”
Three overs after the altercation, Jansen took a good catch off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi to send Bumrah back to the pavilion for seven. India eventually left South Africa a target of 240 to level the series.
What happened there between Bumrah and Jansen?#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/Auc4F2GMop
— Ashish Satyam (@AshishSatyam7) January 5, 2022