"South Africans are not arrogant; they are very good people" - Sreesanth on Heinrich Klaasen apologizing to Mark Wood for aggressive celebration
S Sreesanth recently lauded South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen for apologizing to England's speedster Mark Wood for his aggressive celebration during the 2023 World Cup fixture between the two teams.
Klaasen smashed a scintillating century against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He crossed the three-figure mark with a four off Wood's bowling.
The right-handed batter was overjoyed and roared in front of the bowler. Klaasen, however, apologized to Mark Wood at the end of the over.
Sreesanth reckoned that such animated celebrations are part of the game. Sharing his two cents on the incident, the former cricketer told Sportskeeda:
"Heinrich Klaasen's animated celebration is quite understandable. I feel milestones like hundreds and five-wicket hauls are important. Emotions are bound to come out when you reach these milestones."
"We all understand that because he played a brilliant knock under very challenging circumstances," he added. "A big salute to Klaasen for his knock, and a double salute for the apology. South Africans are not arrogant; they are very good people."
Heinrich Klaasen scored 109 runs off just 67 deliveries, helping the Proteas register an imposing 399-run total. South Africa ultimately secured a comprehensive 229-run victory, bundling out England for a paltry score of 170.
"I did apologize to him for my behaviour" - Sreesanth recalls being fined for celebrating after dismissing Hashim Amla
S Sreesanth recalled how he had gone overboard with his celebration after dismissing Hashim Amla during India's tour of South Africa in 2006-07.
The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned that he was even fined for his conduct. The pacer, however, revealed that he later apologized to Amla for the same, adding:
"There were a lot of articles about Hashim Amla stating that he is a very big player who has scored a lot of runs in first-class. They said that he would make it difficult for Team India. I got him out for a duck in both innings. I was fined 60% of my match fees for how I celebrated after dismissing him in the second innings. I did apologise to him for my behaviour."
It is worth mentioning that Sreesanth claimed Amla's wicket in both the innings of the Test series opener. It was the same match where he also waved his bat in delight after hitting Andre Nel for a six following a heated exchange.