‘Pure emotion’ – Heinrich Klaasen apologises after celebrating century in Mark Wood’s face
Heinrich Klaasen apologised to Mark Wood after being over-zealous in his century celebration during South Africa’s win over England in Mumbai today (October 21).
Klaasen scored a brutal 61-ball century towards the back of South Africa’s innings. His innings included 12 fours and four sixes before he was finally bowled by Gus Atkinson for 109. South Africa posted 399-7 off their fifty overs – the most runs ever conceded by England in a men’s ODI – before bowling the defending champions out for 170. Their 229-run win is England’s biggest defeat ever in the format.
Klaasen reached his century off Wood’s bowling, hitting a six and then a four off his final over of the game to reach the milestone. When celebrating, he let out a huge roar which appeared directed towards Wood, who stared at him during the incident.
A couple of balls later, Klaasen went up to Wood and seemed to apologise to him, offering a fist bump which Wood accepted.
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After the game, Klaasen addressed the incident in the press conference. “I didn’t say anything to him,” said Klaasen. “I did go and apologise immediately and after the game. He did hit me twice on the foot, which is hurting quite a bit, it’s just pure emotion. And yeah, once again, I’m sorry for him and to the English boys but it’s pure emotion that just came out and sometimes it’s difficult to control.
“But I did apologize straight away and spoke to him after the game and hopefully from my side everything is sorted.”
Jos Buttler also responded to a question on Klaasen’s celebration during his post-match press conference. “I think he was obviously emotional to score 100,” Buttler said. “I don’t think he needed to celebrate in Mark Wood’s face and credit to him, he recognised that a couple of seconds after and he apologised.
“They played a great knock and I think he apologised straight away so there’s no ill feelings there.”
Klaasen’s century was his fourth in ODI cricket and third of this year. It was also his first in a World Cup game, and he is South Africa’s fourth century-maker so far during this tournament.
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