Why Dale Steyn is still angry at Michael Clarke
Dale Steyn says it was a personal sledge that he could never forgive Michael Clarke for throwing his way, when the two clashed in Cape Town earlier this year.
During a bitter final session in the Test between Australia and South Africa, words were exchanged between the pair, but it was not revealed exactly what was said to make Steyn so upset.
After the Proteas victory over Australia in the triangular series in Zimbabwe, South African journalist and broadcaster Neil Manthorp took part in a Q&A segment for Supersport where he revealed that the Aussie skipper had accused Steyn of being a 'cheat'. A vicious attack on the bowler's integrity, and one step too far according to Malthorp.
"You can call Steyn pretty much any name under the sun and it will be water off a duck’s back, but don’t call him a cheat," he said.
Tensions between the two appear to only be growing as the fallout over whether Clarke actually apologised for the sledge is still a contentious issue, something Steyn doesn't believe he has properly done.
"I don’t take many things personally, but what he did say to me I did take personally," Steyn said.
"I know he apologised in the media and I should be playing this down. But the day he comes and shakes my hand and says, 'I really mean what I said', and behaves like the way he should, maybe then I will (forgive him).
"But for right now, he’s not here so I’ll wait until I get to Australia."
Cricket Australia has released footage contrary to Steyn's claims, which show Clarke offering him a handshake and apologising after the Test. The pair even shared a laugh in the clip.
Clarke also expressed his remorse and apologised for the sledge in the post-match press conference.
"I apologise to the opposition player I was out of line to," he said.
"A player who I have the utmost respect for, who tries to kill me every time I bat."
"Let’s just say he got me at a bad time."
The pair will face off again when South Africa take on Australia in a limited overs series in November in a clash that is at risk of boiling over, but according to Clarke, the situation has been dealt with.
"From my perspective I would hope that Dale and I have a good enough relationship," Clarke said.
"I’m pretty sure he would front me if he still had an issue with me and I think my apology at the time was well taken and respected from Dale."
