Twitter
Advertisement

After 'brain-fade' now ball-tampering: Dear Steve Smith, stop bringing the game into disrepute

The ball-tampering incident on Saturday has raised several questions regarding the scruples – or the lack of them – employed by the Australian cricket team to ‘win at any cost’ in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The ball-tampering incident on Saturday has raised several questions regarding the scruples – or the lack of them – employed by the Australian cricket team to ‘win at any cost’ in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

But it also brings back memories to the second Test played between India in Bengaluru. Batting in the fourth innings, Smith was plumb in front of the stumps thanks to a delivery by Umesh Yadav. Instead of reviewing it, Smith had a chat with the non-striker, then looked at the dressing room to check if they needed to review the decision, which was immediately halted by the umpires. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who was not too happy with the turn of events, even accused Smith of cheating. Trying to defend his stance, the Australian skipper attributed his action to a brain fade and admitted that he shouldn't have done what he did.

But from Saturday’s incident, it appears that what happened on that day in Bengaluru, Smith knew exactly what he was doing, and the ‘brain fade’ card was to put the matter to a close. Smith during the press conference with Cameron Bancroft admitted that the senior management knew about the ball tampering incident. And of course, while the world of cricket calls for his resignation, Cricket Australia will back him to continue as skipper. Smith has admitted in both cases that he was wrong, but what ever promoted him to go ahead and proceed with those actions? Is there pressure from Darren Lehman to win at any cost or is there a bigger mystery here?

Earlier, Bancroft’s conduct in the middle session drew great scrutiny after he was captured by television cameras moving an unknown yellow object from his pocket into his trousers.

The TV footage also appeared to show him shining the ball before putting something that had been in his hand back in his pocket.

He was spoken to by umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth, during which Bancroft showed them a black piece of cloth, and play continued.

Former cricketers Graeme Smith and Shane Warne, though, made pertinent points when they questioned the involvement of Australian captain Steve Smith and head coach Darren Lehmann.

“He’s got that object in his hand and he takes it to the ball,” former Proteas skipper Smith said during commentary. He added that Bancroft put away the object after being alerted by his dressing room: “There you see him put it back in his pocket and then when the message comes out to say ‘listen, something going on’ he then hides it in his crotch. It’s quite obvious that’s not the same thing that he’s hidden away,” said Smith, referring to the sunglass cover Bancroft produced when questioned by the umpires.

“You’ve got to ask some tough questions of Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann,” added said. “They’ve obviously driven this process, they’re the leadership. He’s a guy who’s played seven or eight Test matches. You can’t see him deciding that this is what he’s going to do on a given day. The decision was obviously taken behind the scenes. If it is sand paper it’s just really silly and not on.”

 

 

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement