Former Zimbabwe Cricketers Involved In Nasty War Of Words On Facebook 1

Former Zimbabwe cricketers Mark Vermeulen and Brendan Taylor were involved in a nasty war of words on social media after the latter leapt to the national team’s defence following their series loss against Afghanistan.

Zimbabwe were bowled out for a paltry 54 inside 14 overs after Afghanistan had posted 9/253 in the allotted 50 overs in the series decider.

The African team was severely criticised for their dismal performance but Taylor defended them by posting on Facebook:“Ex players and commentators always sit back and chip away because it’s easy watching from the comfort of their homes or from a commentary box but forget how tough it can be in the middle.”

However, Taylor’s statement did not go down well with Vermeulen, who criticised his former teammate for defending their pathetic performance. And as soon as he commented on Taylor’s post, things got interesting.

Taylor, who is currently plying his trade in England after retiring from international cricket in 2015, took a dig at Vermeulen’s troubled past before asking the player about his contribution to the Zimbabwe team. From burning down the pavilion to threatening umpires with violence, as well as racial remarks on fellow players, Vermeulen’s playing career was marred with controversies.

The nasty war of words was further dragged by Sheldon Steyn, a Zimbabwean professional golfer based in South Africa. Backing Taylor’s claims, Steyn urged Vermeulen to support the team.

“As a professional sportsman, you Mark should know better how tough it can be out there, show a little more support otherwise you should get the pads and see if you can do better. With nine okes in the current ODI squad with better averages than you. You might find it tough to crack the nod,” Steyn wrote.

Reacting angrily to Taylor and Steyn’s comment, Vermeulen posted:

“They all got what they deserved BT and let me catch you one day … we’ll settle this … be careful what you say about me you little f***.”

“Haha Sheldon you dumb c*** if the current team played against the teams and bowlers who I faced they wouldn’t average double figures but yah please don’t waste my time with your stupid f****** comments.” he added.

Taylor retaliated by saying:

“Well done Rexy! You simple prick! How you not in jail God only knows. All the best surfing in Plett making R5 a day. I wish you all the best.”

Not exactly the most pleasant conversation you'll see.

Don’t use this language at home, kids.

Taylor later took to Twitter to post a screenshot of the Facebook conversation and called Vermeulen a “psycho”.