It’s all fun and games until someone starts crying.
That’s how mom used to warn us when we played rough.
Flying kicks straight after a Jackie Chan stuk got all the laaities bouncing around, showing off their best moves - then someone ended up with a bloedbek.
And it’s the same for sledging in cricket.
Ouens are out there skieting karre, vloeking mekaar. And in the end someone’s feelings gets hurt.
Cricket stars will tell you it’s all part of the game.
And it is. Even in practice. And even from your coach and teammates.
It’s a way to keep you mentally sharp, focused and competitive.
And it’s good preparation for when you out on the field getting it from your opponents too - then it’s almost like anything goes.
But when does it cross the line and when should the umpires step in?
Quinton de Kock was batting out of his skin in the first Test second innings against Australia after struggling in the India series.
Before he came to the crease, the Aussies must have thought he would be an easy target - with his bad form and unfortunate surname.
And if you want to make jokes about tollies, sooner or later it’s bound to end up in your mom or wife.
If you want to be that childish, don’t get upset about being the punchline.
That’s why Dave Warner and the Aussies are so hurt.
They are the best and worst at it. Good at dishing it out but not so good at taking it - which is apparently what Mrs Warner is good at.
See how quickly I went there?
Get over it. And let’s get on with the Test series.
And you can be damn sure that they all want to be out there Friday to resume this bekgeveg.