‘I’m sorry for him and to the English boys’- Heinrich Klaasen apologises for exaggerated celebration in Mark Wood's face

South Africa registered a comfortable 229-run win over defending champions England in an ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 contest at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, October 21.

Heinrich Klaasen was the hero of South Africa as he produced a gritty knock of 109 off 67 deliveries to propel South Africa to 399/7, which marked the most runs conceded by England in the history of the ODI format. The 32-year-old reached his century with a six and a four off consecutive deliveries from Mark Wood. The batter celebrated his ton with a huge roar straight on the face of wood and the bowler seemed unimpressed with his reaction.

However, Klaasen revealed that he realized his emotional outburst and apologised to the England pacer quickly afetr his celebration. He added that Wood hit on his foot twice, which led him to roar against the bowler. The South African also said that he spoke to Wood at the end of the game and hoped that everything was sorted.

“I didn’t say anything to him. I did go and apologise immediately and after the game. He did hit me twice on the foot, which is hurting quite a bit, it’s just pure emotion. And yeah, once again, I’m sorry for him and to the English boys but it’s pure emotion that just came out and sometimes it’s difficult to control. But I did apologize straight away and spoke to him after the game and hopefully from my side everything is sorted,” said Klaasen after the match.

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I think Klaasen was obviously emotional to score 100: Buttler

Jos Buttler, England skipper, stated that Heinrich Klaasen’s celebration was purely an emotional one. The wicketkeeper-batter added that there is no resentment with the South African as he quickly apologised after realizing his mistake.

“I think he was obviously emotional to score 100. I don’t think he needed to celebrate in Mark Wood’s face and credit to him, he recognised that a couple of seconds after and he apologised. They played a great knock and I think he apologised straight away so there’s no ill feelings there,” Buttler said.