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Cricket world reacts to Cricket Australia’s decision to send Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft home

THERE is one revelation the cricket world simply isn’t buying after three Australian cricket stars were sent home from South Africa.

James MattheyJames Matthey
@jamesmatthey
3 min read
March 28, 2018 - 1:24PM
Australian cricket trio suspended for cheating

THE cricket world has reacted with disbelief after Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland fronted the media on Wednesday morning (AEDT) to explain the preliminary findings of an investigation into the ball tampering scandal that has rocked the sport.

Sutherland confirmed Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were the only players with knowledge of the plot to change the condition of the ball in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

They were charged with breaching Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct and will fly home to Australia tomorrow to be replaced in the touring party by Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell.

Darren Lehmann was reportedly not involved in discussions to cheat and will continue in his role as coach. Tim Paine will captain the side in the fourth and final Test in Johannesburg.

Plenty of former cricketers took to social media to express their disbelief at Sutherland’s assertion only three members of the Australian team knew what was going on, suggesting more members of the visiting camp had to be aware of what was planned.

Ex-England stars Michael Vaughan, Matt Prior and James Taylor were among those to lay the boot in.

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke — who spoke publicly on Australian TV on the weekend about how shattered he was to learn of this horrible development — was following Sutherland’s press conference that started shortly after 4am AEDT and had some strong words of his own.

He appeared to suggest the whole story has not yet been revealed and said Australian cricket is in “deep s***” until the public is made aware of everything that happened and those in power take appropriate action.

Despite reports emerging from the UK yesterday Lehmann was set to resign within 24 hours, the head coach hasn’t been found guilty of any wrongdoing, backing up Smith’s claim at a press conference after day three that none of the coaching staff were involved.

However, the 48-year-old has received plenty of criticism for overseeing a deterioration of the culture within the national team that has led to one of the darkest days in Australian cricket history.

Kevin Pietersen had previously tweeted saying Lehmann’s position was “untenable” and that he and bowling coach David Saker had to be “pretty instrumental in all of this”. He was dumbfounded at the claim Lehmann was in the dark over the whole affair.

Former English quick Bob Willis shared that view.

“I find that almost unbelievable and I think Lehmann is very lucky to survive,” Willis said. “I find it remarkable that he didn’t know anything about this and he has been exonerated. Surely the head coach has to be part of the leadership group of an international cricket team?

“I would have thought his (Lehmann’s) credibility was shot, the standards of behaviour have been very poor with Darren in charge of this Australia side and he is lucky to get off scot-free.

“Clearly the leadership group which Steve Smith referred in his press conference only included Warner, Smith and poor Bancroft — the lame duck if you like — who was sent out to do the dirty work.”

Exact punishments were not yet revealed, but Sutherland revealed the sport’s governing body would announce “significant sanctions” in the near future. He said “urgency must be balanced with the need for due process”.

Sutherland also said Cricket Australia will “initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men’s teams”.

“I am angry and disappointed,” Sutherland said, his voice trembling at times as he spoke at a press conference in South Africa. “This is not a good day for Australian cricket.”

“It’s about the integrity and reputation of Australian cricket and Australian sport.

“Ultimately it’s about whether Australians can feel proud of their sporting teams.

“These sanctions will reflect the gravity with which we view what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket.

“We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board.”

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/cricket/cricket-world-reacts-to-cricket-australias-decision-to-send-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-home/news-story/d49639566012e7019ea4cbe92e24b4f2