Michael Hussey hopeful Australian cricket will recover from the ball-tampering scandal

There has been a massive outrage in Australia after skipper Steve Smith admitted in the press conference after the third day’s play in Cape Town that they had planned to illegally alter the condition of the ball. Since then, the Australian team has faced severe backlashes from every section of the game with the skipper being handed a one-year ban.

Opinions and criticisms have flown in left, right and center. Australian fans, former players, the board and the Prime Minister have all been disappointed by the image Smith has portrayed away from home. All this has eventually culminated into the strict punishment that Smith and David Warner are facing now. Cameron Bancroft, who tampered the ball, has been banned for nine months. 

Former cricketer Michael Hussey, also known as Mr. Cricket, has stated that the ball-tampering saga will take time to settle. The fans have been let down and Hussey felt that only actions (or performances) can convince the fans. The World-Cup winner, however, remians hopeful about Australia recovering from this shock. 

“This is going to take time...Only actions will convince them (the fans) to give this team another chance. I believe we'll get there, and the road to doing so starts with understanding the responsibility of that baggy green cap,” Hussey stated while writing for playersvoice.com.au.

Hussey also felt that while it would be difficult for the players to regain their old reputations, they would also have to reclaim some of the lost principles and values. 

“I feel like we've lost sight of some of these principles in recent years...there are some very good people representing Australia at the moment - but the ball tampering issue isn't the first time the team as a collective has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons. This period will also present the team with a chance to reset. Our values. Our team culture. Our true north...We played hard, certainly, but also positively and fairly,” the 42-year-old stated. 

The former Australian batsman who played 79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is, also cited the example of Rahul Dravid to point out how people only remember how one play (or carry themselves) on the field. 

“What's the first thing that springs to your mind when someone mentions Rahul Dravid? I'd be surprised if you said, 'He scored 28 hundreds,' (or however many it was) but in no way surprised if you answered, 'He was The Wall. He had an incredible technique and temperament. He played the game with great integrity. 

“Organisations - both within cricket and in the wider business community - remember these things after you've finished playing. When they're assessing whether to sign you, they're taking into account your character, your reputation and whether you enhance their brand,” the CSK batting coach explained. 

With Smith, Warner and Bancroft banned, the Australian team will look to rebuild and regain the trust of the fans. Smith and Warner would not be allowed to play the IPL as well, after they were limited to take part in grade level cricket in Australia.