Ben Stokes sledged new South Africa star Temba Bavuma as England tempers boiled over in the second Test in Cape Town yesterday.
After forcing Bavuma into a false shot early in his innings, England's Kiwi-born double-century hero mouthed at the 5ft 3in (160cm) batsman: 'You are absolutely s*** .'
Bavuma responded by becoming the first black South African to make a century for his country as the hosts declared on 627 for seven. England closed the fourth day on 16 without loss, 18 runs ahead.
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England assistant coach Paul Farbrace said: 'Ben was the first to run after Bavuma when he walked off to shake his hand and tell him how well he had played. I don't think it's anything either side will get too worried about.'
Bavuma said: 'Some of the things he said I couldn't really hear but the more he kept speaking, the more he fired me up to stay focused.'
On a niggly day, Jimmy Anderson was warned for sledging and Stuart Broad was fined 30 per cent of his match fee for dissent.
But it was Bavuma who stole the show.
As a township boy growing up in Cape Town, Bavuma never dreamed of becoming the first black African to score a Test ton for his country, let alone a role model for aspiring young cricketers.
The 25-year-old, born a short distance from the Newlands ground, is just the fifth black African to follow trailblazer Makhaya Ntini, who won 101 caps.
Bavuma came under scrutiny before the game as South Africa's commitment to an ethnically balanced side resulted in some awkward questions about selection policy. But his answer at the crease was emphatic and he is fully aware of the significance.
He said: 'I understand what it means but I'm struggling to find the words. I'm quite relieved, full of emotion and very satisfied from a personal and team point of view. I've been wanting to cross off that first Test hundred and to do it at my favourite ground was extra special.'
He added: 'At first, cricket was a passion, I just played for the love of it. When I made the SA Schools side, that's when I realised cricket could be more than a passion, something I can use to inspire other people.
'When I made my debut for South Africa I came to be a bit more aware and realise the significance behind it all. It was not about me making my debut, it was about being a role model, an inspiration for other kids, black African kids. Achieving this kind of milestone will strengthen that example.'
-Daily Mail