Ashes 2019 | Ironical of Steve harmison to talk of ball-tampering, replies Peter Siddle

Peter Siddle has not relented from replying to accusations and claims that their win doesn’t take away the fact that they are cheats as he went out after Steve Harmison after former fast bowler’s recent comments. Harmison had labelled as a ‘cheat’ referring to last year’s ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, stating he will take that reputation with him throughout his life regardless of his achievements.

However, SIddle has hit back, as he recalled the 2005 Ashes regarding which Marcus Trescothick had admitted of keeping the ball’s shine for longer by using sweeteners which go against the laws of the game.

“It’s more of a laugh than anything because we know some stories about what has gone on in the past. A couple of his teammates from back then put out books since the ‘05 Ashes and talked about sugar-coating the cricket ball to get reverse swing in that series,” Siddle told SEN SA Breakfast, reported Hindustan Times.

“That’s the irony in all that, that he actually used the word sugar-coat, when two of his teammates have talked about mints and different things to put on the ball. It actually comes back on him,” he added.

Australia retained the Ashes after a win at Old Trafford put them 2-1 up in the series with a game to go. Steve Smith has been phenomenal in the three matches he has played, averaging over 130 with 617 runs to his name from five innings. He is already the year’s highest run-getter even though he has only just returned from a year long suspension.

“We’ll have the last laugh about that, and I think Steve Smith has definitely put those to rest and he’s just done his talking with the bat,” Siddle signed off.