Australia v South Africa: Did Sarel Erwee snub Marnus Labuschagne after Gabba Test?

This is the contentious moment that could ignite the summer, with a South Africa star appearing to brush Marnus Labuschagne at the Gabba. WATCH HERE

Did South Africa snub Marnus Labuschagne in the immediate aftermath of the first Test?

This was the question doing the rounds on social media after a video appeared showing opening batsman Sarel Erwee giving no response to an outstretched hand offered by Labuschagne.

Only Erwee will know the truth behind, what on face value at least, looks like an ice cold brushing of a former countryman.

Perhaps it was a misunderstanding or maybe their paths had already crossed as Labuschagne did the rounds, shaking the hands of South African players after surviving to be there at the end of Australia’s bizarre six-wicket victory on a raging Gabba pitch.

Those who know Erwee say they’d be surprised if it was a snub given his reputation as one of Test cricket’s most decent, unassuming and friendly men.

But after Labuschagne stretched out his hand out and made direct eye contact with Erwee, Fox Cricket cameras capture the South African bizarrely staring straight at Labuschagne and ignoring him.

Was Marnus Labuschagne brushed by Sarel Erwee or was it something less sinister?

Labuschagne then quickly pivots direction and shakes the hand of Kagiso Rabada.

Before the series, Proteas captain Dean Elgar declared his team would not refrain from sledging South African-born Labuschagne, possibly in his native tongue of Afrikaans.

“He is one of the form batters in the world and I am sure there is going to be a little bit of extra spice knowing he is ex-South African as well,’’ Elgar said pre-match.

Labuschagne said before the Test he was ready for a frosty reception.

“I‘ve got no doubt that they’re going to throw some curve-balls,” he said.

“Hopefully the responses can be either funny or none at all.

“…My family have adopted Australia as their home and they support me, they support the Australian cricket team.”

Marnus Labuschagne survived some vicious South Africa bowling on day two at the Gabba. Picture: Patrick Hamilton/AFP

The scene is now set for an intriguing rematch on Boxing Day in Melbourne, with the Proteas quicks making it clear they are out to expose some mental “scars” they believe they’ve opened up in the Australian batsmen.

South African quick Anrich Nortje was visibly fuming after play after bowling some frightening rockets at Labuschagne and Cameron Green, only for two of his attempted bouncers to go for four wides and seal the game for Australia.

But not before he and Rabada got the Aussies jumping, with 19 extras the top score in the nervy chase of 34 to win.

“I think everyone understands that this is not what we want, that’s not the ideal scenario,” Labuschagne told SEN.

“…if we’re going to finish in under two days it’s obviously not ideal for Test cricket. But the reality is we’ve played on probably two of those in the last two years.”