Offensive cartoon posted by Australian women's cricketer on Facebook page sparks outrage from members of New Zealand team

An offensive cartoon posted by Australian women's cricket all-rounder Ellyse Perry on her Facebook page has triggered outrage from members of the New Zealand women's team. The cartoon which depicts a kangaroo draped in the Australian national flag stomping on a bird which appears to be a kiwi lying on the New Zealand national flag was initially meant to be a harmless joke, but many members of the White Ferns cricket team were not too amused. Captain of the White Ferns - Suzie Bates commenting on Perry's post had this to say:

"Well, well Ellyse I didn't know that you would stoop so low in an effort to degrade the New Zealand team just because you won a meaningless series. Congratulations on showing all of us how immature you really are."

Other members of the New Zealand team also expressed their outrage at Perry with some calling the gesture "childish" and "very mean." Perry in an effort to save face tried her utmost to defend herself but stopped short of apologizing for what she described as a "harmless joke."

In her response to Bates, Perry had this to say:

"Look I know that you are offended Suzie; but I can't apologize for this. It was just a harmless joke. Geez. I never knew that the egos of the members of the New Zealand team were so brittle that they would be offended by a silly cartoon. We just finished a very tough series and I myself wasn't sure if I even going to actually play because I had an injury. Thankfully I made a full recovery. But from a personal level I had a bad game today as I conceded thirty-eight runs from my eight overs without taking a single wicket and I only made one lousy run when I batted before I was clean bowled. But you don't hear me whining like a big baby. But if you want I can make this up to you. How about if we put aside our sporting rivalry for a while and I entertain you and the rest of the White Ferns to a party at my house where you'll be treated to some fine Aussie hospitality and where you'll feast on some delicious Vegemite sandwiches. And unlike this latest loss that you suffered I sincerely hope that they won't leave a bitter taste in your mouth."