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As we all watched the events of the Test match taking place in Cape Town over the past few days, we have been reminded constantly about one thing from those commentating. There are 30 cameras within the Newlands.
Every move that the South African and Australian cricketers make is broadcasted. Now, you would think that these modern-day Australian cricketers would have the smarts to notice how many people they play in front of worldwide, but clearly that never came into consideration when Steve Smith’s men walked out and intentionally cheated on Day 3 of this crucial Test in the context of the series.
Watching it on Saturday night, I could not believe what I saw. You could even hear the commentators at the time flabbergasted in the background when away from the microphones. Something like that just doesn’t happen these days, or at least we never see it.
I won’t defend the actions of Cameron Bancroft and the leadership group of the Australian Test side. It was disgraceful and hopefully something we never see again. They deserve to be punished.
Saying that, everyone is as guilty as each other in this incident.
Some point to Bancroft being the youngster in the team meaning he is excused. I tell you what, if someone came to me before heading out to play a Test and proposed a ball-tampering scenario, it would be a pretty short conversation.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
The leadership group from Smith to Darren Lehmann are arguably the guiltiest setting such a dangerous task to Bancroft. At the end of the day though, everyone is as guilty as each other.
What I don’t agree with when it comes to most people’s opinions regarding the incident is that this is the end for Bancroft and the leadership group.
I’m honestly embarrassed for them, but there’s always a way back. You will find some very sorry faces in the Australian dressing room at the minute, and I’m sure they will be looking to put that right in the future.
When it comes to professional sport, the moment can get the better of you. I would argue that this has happened in this case. Crucial period of the Test and the Aussie boys bottled it.
But, are these blokes bad people? No, they are not. Have they made a big mistake? Yes, there’s no denying it.
What infuriates me is that everyone seems to have become an expert. Have you never made a mistake in your life? No one is perfect and just because it was visible to the world to see does not mean these boys are done in the Test arena.
Smith has been suspended, Bancroft may still be, and they all will need to learn from this. I hope to see them back, though. I know I’m in the minority, but I’m trying to not be kneejerk regarding this situation.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
I’ve heard some compare this incident to the spot-fixing that took place in 2010 on the famous Lord’s Cricket Ground when Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif deliberately bowled no-balls.
The ball-tampering incident that took place yesterday was nowhere near as drastic as the 2010 saga. If there was a way back for someone like Amir, then I can guarantee you there is a way back for these men involved in the latest developments in South Africa.
Sure, there will be those who will never forgive them, but everyone deserves a second chance and that applies in this case for these men.
Perhaps I’m more forgiving, but I do not want to see these boys banished from Test cricket like some are suggesting due to a silly incident.
They deserve to be punished for the time being, but let’s not get carried away.
It will take time to regain any form of trust, but these men deserve another chance on the Test arena, players and coaching staff.
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