With the cricket community in a state of turmoil over the revelation that Australian players attempted to cheat during the third test against South Africa, captain Steve Smith has admitted that he knew about plans to tamper with a ball, but does not intend to stand down.
The furore erupted when Cameron Bancfoft was caught by television cameras while rubbing a yellow object on the ball. The object, which he later attempted to hide from officials, turned out to be a piece of sticky tape, which contained debris from the pitch.
Bancroft, who now faces fines and a possible match suspension, admitted to ball-tampering in a subsequent press conference, telling reporters: “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be here because I want to be accountable for my actions.”
“We had a discussion during the break,” the opening batsman continued. “On myself I saw an opportunity to use some yellow tape and the granules from the rough patches of the wicket to change the condition of the ball.”
In a more troubling turn of events, captain Steve Smith admitted that he was aware of the planned attempt to cheat, telling reporters: “The leadership group knew about it. We spoke about it at lunch. I’m not proud of what happened. It’s not in the spirit of the game.”
“[We] thought it was a possible way to get an advantage,” he continued. “Poor choice and, yeah … deeply regrettable.”
He is adamant that coach Darren Lehman did not play a part in any conspiracy to tamper with the ball, placing the blame on himself and fellow players, saying: “The coach isn’t involved. It was purely the leadership group and the players came up with this.”
Despite pressure for him to step down, the 28-year-old says he’ll remain. “I still think I’m the right person for the job. Obviously today was a big mistake on my behalf and the leadership group’s behalf as well, but I take responsibility. I need to take control of the ship. This is something I’m not proud of.”
Cricket’s greats have reacted to the ball-tampering news, with Michael Clarke saying “please tell me this is a bad dream.”
WHAT THE …….. HAVE I JUST WOKEN UP TO. Please tell me this is a bad dream.
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) March 24, 2018
Former England captain Michael Vaughan joined many in calling for the leadership team to be replaced, saying that their positions are now “untenable”:
The more you think about what has happened in Cape Town the more I realise the Leadership needs to be replaced … Positions are untenable … & I say that with the utmost respect for most of that group … #SAvAUS
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 24, 2018
Expect more to come.
