Josh Hazlewood’s expletive-ridden rant draws contrasting opinions
Josh Hazlewood was handed a 15% fine for his expletive-ridden reaction to an lbw appeal not going his way earlier on Tuesday against New Zealand on the fourth day of the second Test in Christchurch.
Later reprimanded for dissent, he pleaded guilty and admitted that it happened in the heat of the moment.
WATCH: What happened and what did he say?
His compatriot Mitchell Johnson asked for the stump microphones to be turned off and defended Hazlewood’s moment of frustration.
It’s time for the stump mikes to be turned off. Sure, we have all said a swear word when frustrated #NZvAUS #turnstumpmikeoff #notperfect
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) February 23, 2016
With many fans replying to him – in support and not – he stated the game has come under scrutiny over the years.
Okay I get what it looks like. I’ll take that. More cameras and microscope of the game sees more than years before in the game.
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) February 23, 2016
While raising this interesting point too. Do the fans agree?
Maybe fans/supporters who go to the games and swear/abuse at players should be fined on the spot?! Just a question #notcondoningabuse
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) February 23, 2016
On the other side of the fence, West Indian legend Ian Bishop found the act “reprehensible”.
The behavior of the Australian players and the language used just now towards the umpire was reprehensible. Nothing less.
— ian bishop (@irbishi) February 22, 2016
Commentator Harsha Bhogle also didn’t take the whole incident in the stride and asked for more respect for everyone involved.
Australia”s players must realise what they consider fine is,in other cultures, thought of as “reprehensible” to quote the respected @irbishi
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2016
No one wants sterile cricket but shutting stump mikes isn’t a solution to bad behaviour; curbing it and respecting others is.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2016
Many many great players have played our game with great intensity & fervour without feeling the need to abuse others. Emotion yes, abuse no!
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2016
I say ‘Australia’ specifically because of the recent incident in New Zealand. Other teams, including India, have occasionally lapsed into it
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 23, 2016
Where do you, as a fan, sit on the whole situation?
