SA vs ENG 2020: Kevin Pietersen Supports Jos Buttler after the Sledging Incident

Kevin Pietersen has supported England wicket-keeper Jos Buttler who recently abused Vernon Philander during the second Test at Newlands. Sledging is a pretty common thing on the field when two teams are taking on each other. Stump microphones have recorded a fierce conversation between Buttler and Philander in the recently concluded game.

England beat South Africa on the final day of the Test where Ben Stokes’s heroics helped England in crunch moments. However, the incident took place on the final day when stump mic recorded the voice of England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler. He was heard abusing South Africa batsman Vernon Philander who did not move out of the way even after seeing a throw coming towards him from mid-off region.

Jos Buttler abuses Vernon Philander

“Get out of the f***ing way, dickhead,” Buttler was heard saying to Philander over the stump mic. “F***ing move. You know it’s going to hit you, just f***ing move. F***ing k***head. [How am I meant to] f***ing get past that f***ing gut?”

Buttler received a lot of criticism from everyone around the world as the video went viral on social media. Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, on the other hand, came out in support of him citing that this incident was okay in Test cricket.

He shared, “LOTS having a go at @josbuttler here! LEAVE HIM ALONE! This is Test Cricket and believes me, this is nothing compared to lots that goes on, on the field. Series is alive big time! END OF!”

Meanwhile, Buttler continued his verbal spat at a shocked Philander, but the microphone didn’t pick it as it was eventually switched off. Following that, commentator Michael Atherton apologised for the incident. England vice-captain Ben Stokes’ voice was also heard in the background.

Philander stared back at Buttler when Stokes asked him not to stare. When South Africa were playing at 237 for 7 and required to survive 19 more overs to draw the game, it was Ben Stokes who came to his team’s rescue. He picked up the final three wickets of the match to register a 189-run victory. Both the teams have won one game each and the third Test will start from January 16 in Port Elizabeth.