Arguably one of the oldest rivalries in international cricket, the Ashes outweighs all other cricketing rivalries in age, legacy, longevity and the sheer weight of history involved. The Test series between England and Australia is rich in plot points and full of competitive edge which offers engrossing encounters more often, than not.
It's full of drama, not just on the field, but off it as well. While the players from both sides are engrossed in their respective duels on the ground, the Ashes also witnesses the involvement of fans, commentators, media and former players who enjoy their fair share of action away from the field.
© Reuters
And, the ongoing 2017-18 Ashes is proving to be no different either. While the Aussie brigade outplayed England in the series opener with a 10-wicket win at the Gabba, the verbal volleys including insults flying in from both the side have taken the centre stage.
That's exactly what happened when former cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Kevin Pietersen had a go at each other on Twitter. Pietersen, who is part of the commentary team for the Ashes, irked Johnson by his observation of fast bowlers from both the teams.
Hey @KP24 @MichaelVaughan yesterday were carrying on about the pommy fast bowlers being able to bowl in the 140's. Ever since they've taken the second new ball they've been bowling medium pace. They are allowed to bend their backs, and there's 4 of them #ashes #sweatbandswinger
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 25, 2017"Hey @KP24 @MichaelVaughan yesterday were carrying on about the pommy fast bowlers being able to bowl in the 140's. Ever since they've taken the second new ball they've been bowling medium pace. They are allowed to bend their backs, and there's 4 of them #ashes #sweatbandswinger," Johnson tweeted in response to KP and Michael Vaughan's views.
Mitchell, is this you or your management tweeting? If it's you, you not helping yourself! If it's your management, ask them to stop or sack them!
— KP (@KP24) November 27, 2017Johnson received a befitting response by Pietersen who replied: ""Mitchell, is this you or your management tweeting? If it's you, you not helping yourself! If it's your management, ask them to stop or sack them!".
ð´ð´ð´ Good response #flog
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 27, 2017The former Australian seamer mocked Pietersen before replying back, "Good response #flog".
But, what began as a friendly banter, soon turned awry and then, the most unexpected thing happened: Pietersen blocked Mitch. Yep, as funny as it may sound, it really happened.
ð¤£ð¤£ pic.twitter.com/QLbwnfiUvR
— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) November 27, 2017Johnson must've been looking to fire in another volley when he noticed that the former England batsman has blocked him. He shared a screenshot of the same on Twitter to much amusement of the Oz fans.
We had earlier seen players exchanging pleasantries on the field, former cricketers getting under the skin of each other and even the Barmy Army using David Warner's wife Candice's toilet tryst to rattle the Oz star. But, there was no sign of individuals getting blocked.
One game in the five-match series and we've already seen so much. We wonder what's going to happen next as the two sides prepare to lock horns in the remaining four Tests. Meanwhile, here's what the folks on Twitter felt about KP's decision to block Mitch:
Hahahah so he's happy to dish it out, but can't receive?
— Will (@trillsingh) November 27, 2017Just figured out that KP never hit a six off Mitchell Johnson in his international career, think he was always looking to block him.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 28, 2017Not sure why KP has thrown his toys out of his cot. Read the original tweet from Mitch and he was just stating the facts. It was totally in the spirit of the game. Ashes is a BIG BOY game. The England pace attack was tired and having problems dealing with the heat. Toughen Up
— Matthew Lingard (@matthewl1967) November 28, 2017This time A bouncer by #Mitch, what happens after this.. Princess ððð pic.twitter.com/CsakQoUU6I
— Rajkiran (@ImBylu) November 29, 2017solid defence
Test cricket misses you KP
Mitch upsetting KP as usual. ðð
— Dithara xx (@PrincessDithara) November 28, 2017If you can't handle them, block them. ð
— WaÑiyullah Budye (@WasiyullahB) November 29, 2017
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