David Warner got himself into a heated exchange with Pakistani umpire Ahsan Raza during the ongoing Lahore Test on Thursday (March 24). The umpire interrupted the game for a while as he asked the Australian batter not to run in the danger area of the pitch. 

Warner was batting outside his crease and as he played a defensive shot and took a step forward, umpire Raza held him up for scuffing up the danger area that might assist spinners later in the game. 

Players and umpires are currently having a lengthy debate over where David Warner is treading on the pitch when stepping forward after playing some shots. #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/KZ0wKgfAVb

— Flashscore Cricket Commentators (@FlashCric) March 24, 2022

Warner was clearly pissed with the interruption in the game and expressed his opinion on the matter and argued that he has not done anything that is illegal. 

The 35-year-old told the umpire that he is well within his right to bat outside the crease and was caught in the stump mic saying, "you want me to play shot like this (forward defence) and then go back and then go for a run?"

David Warner vs Umpire Ahsan Raza.#DavidWarner #ahsanraza #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/BM815hyXVE

— Hafiz Ahmad Hassan (@HafizAh42405734) March 24, 2022

The umpire replied in affirmative after which Warner smiled and asked the on-field official to show him the rule book, adding that he will not continue playing until he brings out the rule book. 

“Show me in the rule book where that’s what I’ve got to do. I won’t start until you show me,” Warner further said.  

The Southpaw received support from fans on social media who felt Warner was treated unfairly by the umpires.  

Come on
Now this is unfair

— Cornered Tigers (@asher_ali_khan) March 24, 2022

Hes done nothing wrong…

— Lachy Steele (@Lachy_Steele) March 24, 2022

Ridiculous Aleem Dar & Ahsan Raza for making @davidwarner31 not to step on the pitch in the process of playing short.The players have been doing this throughout the series why bother now as Pakistan may loose. We need neutral umpires @sawerapasha @aaliaaaliya @IdreesSatti6

— Canadian Maple (@obaidr786) March 24, 2022

Issues with David Warner playing a long way out of his crease. Umpire Ahsan Raza wants David Warner to go backwards, towards his crease out of the protected area before setting off on a run. Ludicrous. #PAKvsAUS

— Lui Zacher (@LuiFromTheRadio) March 24, 2022

Despite the disruption, Warner continued to smash Pakistan bowlers as he scored a fine half-century before losing his off-stump to a peach of a delivery by Shaheen Afridi. 

Thanks to Warner's blitz, Australia scored quickly and declared their innings at 227 for three, setting up the hosts a target of 351.

DECLARATION: Australia declare with a 350-run lead.#PAKvAUS scorecard: https://t.co/HU8LunuV1Z pic.twitter.com/skuxdLPWut

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) March 24, 2022

Whatever the result of the match might be, cricket fans were happy to see the old fiery Warner back after many years. He had toned down his aggression a bit after receiving a ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal but looks like the left-hander is over that phase and the Warner of old is back.

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