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.
Rellum
Roar Guru
A 6 month ban would see them miss the IPL and millions in pay though.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Even a 6 month ban would only see them missing another useless ODI series against England with the next series next spring, so there's the 6 months. Once the suspensions (if any) are up, they should be eligible to play for a pl;ace in the test team but an automatic recall shouldn't be the case. If selected, Smith and Warner shouid not be part of the team's leadership group.
HS
Guest
Well, you can try and save them by this PR article. But, the cat is out of the bag. All Australian Wins since Smith took over are now debatable. And all future wins in high pressure situations will always be blamed on cheating by the Australian national team. This is what happened to Pakistan and this is what will happen to Australia atleast for the next 5 years. You will have to write a lot more of such articles in trying to defend the cheats before the public opinion sways. Personally, I am surprised that such a strong team needed to cheat. Smith and other cheaters should be smacked over their head on doing this as it was not required at all.
Richard
Guest
Bancroft: should face a short (1 match?) ban for trying to cover it up on the field, then lying to the umpires (producing a black sunglasses bag when asked about anything suspicious in his pocket). To his credit at least admitted it quickly and was the fall guy for the senior players. Smith: sack him as captain, longer ban (3 months?) for blatant lying in that press conference, needs to take captain's responsibility for the whole thing. 'Leadership team': 1 match ban if evidence they were aware of this. Lehmann: may as well resign now, if he knew about it then he should come out and say so, if he didn't then he's lost any authority in the dressing room. Frankly it's a bit of 'something and nothing', nowhere near as bad as has been made out. Just don't go claiming any moral high ground for quite some time, particularly over crowd abuse, there's no-one as bad as the Aussies. All very sad, I can remember Rodney Marsh being serenaded all they way to the crease back in 1977 by a full house at Old Trafford, then giving them a bow when he reached the pitch. He got a standing ovation. A view from England.
Pablo
Guest
Too true. Ethics go out the window when it might hurt your chances of winning.
Johnny Boy
Guest
Good article. Agree with everything you have said.
Andrew
Guest
You really think Lehmann didnt know, then explain sending out the 12th man and his current silence. If he really didnt know he would have come out swinging in the press. He isnt known for being smart.
Andrew
Guest
Its not a mistake. Stop calling it a mistake or silly. It was cheating, not undertaken by one guy but by the teams leaders including the coach. If this happened in a game of cricket in under 6s we would punish the kids and the kids would understand that what they did was not a mistake or silly but cheating.
JVGO
Guest
Personally I would now have a camera always specifically dedicated to following the opposition teams bowlers and fieldsmen for signs of ball tampering just as the South Africans have done. Don't bother having a camera for our own team though. That would be stupid.
michael steel
Guest
It's not about a second chance. They will get that. They have to serve a reasonable suspension. As for Darren Lehmann, I've mentioned before he has almost no input into what happens on the field and once again this incident seems to prove that theory. They players are having lunch and he isn't part of the discussion. What does the coach do?
Grafter
Roar Rookie
Agree entirely. Its punishable not hangable. And great to see several like-minded below. Feels like we are on a very small island.The loud voices of randoms with little cricket experience that have swamped the airwaves the past 2 days is staggering.
Simoc
Guest
I think Don that Smith has demonstrated that he is not up to the task of being Australian captain. There is a fair chance that this tampering has been going on for awhile and the info had been passed on to the South Africans. The producer knew what was happening. That is why Bancroft would have had a camera allocated to him for the entire innings if not test while fielding as would have Smith and Lehmann even while they are off the field. For sure JVGO Australia cracked but it was helped by their own doing. This wife, kids thing is concocted b/s which you don't react to unless you are half-witted like Warner or a fast bowler. Taking it personally achieves the goals of those that said it and we see it worked with Warner. So it's bound to happen to him again at some stage.
AREH
Roar Guru
Yep. No way known they should ever hold a leadership position of any capacity. They're top-shelf batsmen, and that's it, so following a suspension, they deserve a second chance as batsmen solely. Those calling for life bans are way off the mark. I can understand the anger and emotion surrounding it from fans, and the severity of the act, but there's just no chance of anything like that.
Big Daddy
Guest
All the culprits should own up now. Lying to protect your teammates will only compound the matter. Their will be player's who are not involved who will think "I've got an opportunity here" and rat out. There's going to be tough times for all player's over the next 1-2 years.
DavSA
Guest
Great article Lachlan. There is a feeding frenzy taking place right now and quite astonishing watching it from afar. I mean for heaven sakes I watched the Aussie Prime Minister getting involved .....They have already paid dearly for an error in judgement . Seeing all this I am real pleased that my limited cricketing skills only got me to club level 2nd team and I did scuff the ball a few times especially when we were playing for beers. They not only should get a 2nd chance but by giving them this chance it makes more decent people out of all of us. Those calling for lifetime bans etc. should seriously examine their motives and Smith should be relieved of the captaincy not because of just this incident but because I feel he is not a very good leader or captain. A good leader mentors those junior to him . Bancroft will tell you this did not happen here. But yes making amends can only happen over time on the field . They must continue to play.
Big Daddy
Guest
Through them all under the bus and one will squeal. At the moment they will cover each other's back. But there will always one that will crack. Send the culprits back to shield cricket for 12 month's because any penalty at the moment covers a few one dayers and a couple of tests against Zimbabwe. CA has to send a message. As for Lehman get rid of him and get someone like bayliss who is not part of current mob where too much nepotism is rife.
JVGO
Guest
@Andrew You seriously think 'making Broad cry' is the same as targetting wives and families? You need to find a sense of reality I'm afraid. In two societies in such questionable moral states as both contemporary Australia and SA finding scapegoats amongst leading sportsmen is frankly ludicrous.
George
Guest
"Manifesting itself through sledging and other acts unworthy of guys playing in the national side based on some BS “line in the sand”, made up by the players." All of which are defended vociferously on The Roar.
George
Guest
But "we don't know" eh, James? Perhaps in believing what Sand-groper Bangers says you see a glimmer that shows Smith in a more positive light. Yesterday you were all about wait and see.
Andrew
Guest
I know right remember that time the South African coach told the South African fans to make Broad cry and that he hoped that the abuse was such that he would run away home. Oh wait no that was Lehmann. Dont pretend that South African crowds are any different than Australian crowds. Stop making excuses for grown men who have a 24 hour psychiatrist on staff. As for the SA press exposing their team, you bet your ass they would haha Just as the Australian press would expose the Australian team.