'Ludicrous': David Warner act sparks heated on-field argument
Australian opener David Warner was once again in the thick of the action on Day 4 of the Test match after umpires approached him for taking a step into the danger zone while playing a shot.
Warner made headlines on Day 3 for his hilarious face-off with Pakistan bowler Shaheen Afridi on the final ball of the third day's play in the third Test between Australia and Pakistan in Lahore.
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On Thursday, Australia were 0-77 with Warner and Usman Khawaja still at the crease.
However, a bizarre moment occurred when the umpires, Pakistan players and Warner were involved in a heated exchange over whether the opener was encroaching on the danger zone.
Warner received a warning for running down the danger zone after making a shot.
But, Warner pleaded his case to the umpires and claimed he was allowed to bat out of his crease and take a step before running down the wicket.
“You want me to play my shot like this...” Warner was heard saying on the stump mic.
Umpire Ahsan Raza was adamant the opener was in the wrong.
“Yes, you have to move.”
But, Warner hit back: “Show me in the rule book that that’s what I have to do."
The Pakistan team surrounded the wicket as there was a bid to find out what was going on.
Cricket world backs David Warner over incident
While it may have not helped Warner, many people in the cricket world found it bizarre Warner was forced to take a step off his line immediately playing a shot.
Players and umpires are currently having a lengthy debate over where David Warner is treading on the pitch when stepping forward after playing some shots. #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/KZ0wKgfAVb
— 🏏Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) March 24, 2022
David Warner having intense discussions about batting outside the crease with the umpires. They are not happy about Warner stepping into the danger area after playing a shot. #PAKvAUS
— Monty Panesar (@MontyPanesar) March 24, 2022
I don't see a problem with what Warner did
— Tim (@TimmyG016) March 24, 2022
Apparently Warner taking HALF A STEP into the protected area is cause for a heated conversation 🤣🤣 #PAKvAUS
— Davis Harrigan (Digi) 🦁 (@DeadlineDavis) March 24, 2022
Umpires are out of their minds with this. Warner doing nothing illegal. Is in the action of playing a cricket shot. #pakvaus
— #spinnerslivesmatter (@BigNoseStu) March 24, 2022
I must say I can't imagine Warner would be batting any differently to how he normally does? Either way this is hair splitting by the umpires #PAKvAUS
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) March 24, 2022
Issues with David Warner playing a long way out of his crease. Umpire Ahsan Raza wants David Warner to go backwards, towards his crease out of the protected area before setting off on a run. Ludicrous. #PAKvsAUS
— Lui Zacher (@LuiFromTheRadio) March 24, 2022
On Day 3 there were some hilarious scenes, when Warner advanced towards Afridi and screamed "no run" after blocking out the final ball, before the big Pakistan quick came walking towards him.
Warner and Afridi then went chest-to-chest and stared at each other in a pretend confrontation, before both men burst out laughing.
Cricket fans and commentator loved the comical moment, especially considering the height difference between the two men.
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