Joe Root confronting Australia’s batsmen at end of play was not a good look, writes Jon Anderson

ENGLISH captain Joe Root remonstrating with Peter Handscomb was more than simple “banter”, as Cricket Australia described it, and there are boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed on the field, writes JON ANDERSON.

Umpire Aleem Dar makes sure things doesn’t get out of hand between Peter Handscomb and Joe Root. Picture: Getty Images

THE current pink-ball Adelaide Test has clearly been no place for the faint-hearted, but surely there must be boundaries and they would appear to have been crossed on several unedifying occasions.

None more so than the sight of an increasingly fragile-looking English captain Joe Root remonstrating with Australian batsmen Peter Handscomb and Nathan Lyon after stumps had been called on the third day.

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Root followed both for most of their journey towards the boundary, initially directing his wrath towards Handscomb before turning his attention to a bemused Lyon.

Umpire Aleem Dar did his best imitation of a boxing referee as he came between the players, something Dar should be quite proficient at given his practice in this ill-tempered Test where both sides can be apportioned blame.

England captain Joe Root has a few words with Peter Handscomb as the players walk off Adelaide Oval. Picture: Getty Images

The reports of umpires Chris Gaffaney and Dar may make interesting reading, or will they agree with Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland who described the incidents as nothing more than “banter”.

I’m interested to know when an umpire finds it necessary to step between two players could that be termed “banter”.

While Sutherland appears confident the actions will never lead to an actual physical confrontation, what message does it send to our teenagers wanting to emulate their heroes? And how long before teenagers start getting in the face of opponents in a threatening physical manner?

One person who can send out a message is Root, but right now the 26-year-old with the choir boy looks seems more intent on playing his part in lowering the tone of behaviour to a fashion resembling a series 85 years ago in this country that was dubbed Bodyline.

Originally published as Joe Root confronting Australia’s batsmen at end of play was not a good look, writes Jon Anderson