Bangladesh fire back after 'overboard' Proteas sledging: 'It was deplorable'

Bangladesh have accused the Proteas of sledging that went "overboard" during the first Test in Durban, which ended on Monday. 

South Africa won the match by 220 runs after Keshav Maharaj's brilliant effort in the second innings saw the visitors bowled out for 53.

The match was characterised by numerous questionable umpiring decisions, which was particularly surprising in the case of Marais Erasmus, who is largely considered to be one of the best in the world. 

That sparked a call from the Bangladesh players for neutral umpires to be used going forward, but a report on Cricinfo reveals that Bangladesh were equally upset by the nature of the South African sledging during the Test. 

"They surrounded [Mahmudul] Joy when he went out to bat," Bangladesh Cricket Board chief Jalal Yunus told Cricinfo.

"They were saying something. He couldn't say anything back since he is a junior player. It was deplorable. Instead of controlling the situation, the umpires warned our players whenever we made complaints against the sledging.

"Sledging definitely took place from both sides, but when they started it and took it overboard, we complained to the umpires. It wasn't acceptable. We properly condemn it. We have to accept the umpires' decisions, but the ICC must reinstate neutral umpires."

The second Test begins in Gqeberha on Friday where Erasmus and South Africa's Allahudien Paleker are set to stand as umpires.