English wicketkeeper Jos Buttler goes to the gutter with cricket sledge
The double standards of England’s cricketing heroes have been exposed after wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and star all-rounder Ben Stokes were captured sledging an opponent.
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England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler is facing a fine from cricket officials after calling South African batsman Vernon Philander a “f***ing knob head.”
The ugly exchange also involved England star Ben Stokes, who recently publicised his autobiography on claims David Warner had sledged him during last year’s Ashes series.
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Australia has been forced to tone down its notorious on-field behaviour in the wake of the Sandpapergate scandal which erupted after a bitter tour against South Africa, which by Cape Town, had descended into episodes of personal abuse.
But England may find it harder to take the moral high ground after Buttler’s vitriol was broadcast around the world.
International teams, including Australia, usually try and dismiss on-field exchanges as “banter”, but there was nothing jovial about Buttler’s attempts to insult Philander.
“Get out the f***ing way,” said Buttler aggressively from behind the stumps after taking a return throw from the field. Philander stands his ground and stares straight back at him at close range, apparently shocked by the abuse.
“F***ing move … you know it’s going to f***ing (inaudible), just move … f***ing knob head.”
@josbuttler They always loved to moan about the Aussies sledging. This isn’t sledging - it’s cowardice. Say that to Vern’s face in a pub & see what he does. Very disappointing.
— Michael Faber (@mickfaber10) January 7, 2020
No man, this can’t be, not to a guy in his last test on his home ground after an outstanding career. https://t.co/mpKQLJJVIn
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) January 7, 2020
At the very least he should be fined and not allowed to play in the next test @josbuttler your behaviour is disgraceful
— Fatima Baig (@fatimab111) January 7, 2020
Jos Buttler is a disgusting human being #SAvENG
— Charlotte (@LadyCharlotte01) January 7, 2020
Standing at first slip, Stokes also chipped in.
“Don’t stare him out. He’s got a point, mate.”
Then Buttler came in for more.
“F***ing, get past that f***ing gut,” the keeper said in reference to Philander’s physique.
Sky Sports who were broadcasting the match, apologised for the language captured by the stump microphone.
Swearing is usually a punishable offence by the ICC under its code of conduct, particularly if it’s broadcast to air.
Michael Clarke was fined for his “get ready for a broken f***ing arm” sledge of England’s Jimmy Anderson during the 2013-14 Ashes.