Smith and Warner both banned from international cricket for a year, and Bancroft for nine months. Presumably they’ll still be able to play other cricket, but that will depend on who wants them now. Warner in particular has very rapidly achieved pariah status - I heard a report this morning in which it was mentioned that other Aussie players have said they won’t play in the same team as him.
Warner was apparently very much the instigator of the ball-tampering (and it was sandpaper and not tape that was used), while Smith did nothing to stop it. What a pair of arrogant twats.
They remind me of Leeds United in the 70’s, plenty of talent but resorting to dirty tactics with a win at any cost mentality. Perhaps this will also see an end to sledging? Surely no place for it in what is supposed to be a gentleman’s game?
Smith breaks down in press conference and cries like a little girl. What a ponce. FFS the over reaction from all parties to this is astounding. They roughed up a ball and got caught, that’s it. Punishment dished out and that’s the end of the matter. No need for any lynchings, no need for any gobshite social media bollocks and no need to cry like a pussy in front of the cameras and talk about stains on national identities. It’s a fucking cricket ball, not a national disaster, FFS.
And off we go again. After our riproaring performance in Jockland (Think we were actually fooled by the fact the Sun shone)
ODI vs The Sandpaperers starts today.
Will this be a much needed respite from learning which England players fancy whom in Love Island? Or another reason to scratch our balls in bemusement?