The integrity of Australian cricket is the laughing stock of world sport, says Adam Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist has claimed that the ball tampering controversy engulfing the current Australian Test team has made the country the “laughing stock” of world cricket. The legendary wicket-keeper has also slammed current skipper Steve Smith and raised doubts over his future as captain.
Cameron Bancroft and the Australian ‘leadership group’ including Steve Smith have become the talk of the town in just hours after the third day’s play of the third Test in Cape Town. In the post-play media conference at Newlands, Smith, and Bancroft admitted that they tried to alter the condition of the ball.
In the post-lunch session, Bancroft used a yellow sandpaper (or tape) to tamper the ball so that it helps the bowlers generate more reverse-swing. The 25-year-old opener was caught on camera and was also charged
Former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, who had famously walked despite not being given out during a crucial World Cup semi-final 15 years ago, admitted that he is shocked
"I’m really sad, shocked, stunned - I’m not trying to over-dramatise it but (I'm) really emotional about this. Australian cricket now and the integrity of Australian cricket is the laughing stock of world sport,” Gilchrist said today on Network Ten where he is part of the broadcast coverage of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
“This clearly is against the laws of the game and we've just had our national captain and our national team admit that they sat down, premeditated and pre-planned a way to cheat,” he further added.
Smith, who took over from Michael Clarke in 2015, has led Australia in 33 Test matches (excluding the current game) and has tasted 18 wins as skipper. In addition to the 33 Tests that he's captained, Smith has also led Australia in 51 ODIs and 8 T20Is till date. Gilchrist also raised questions about Smith’s future as the captain of the team.
“I'm not sure he (Smith) can remain captain. I think it's a pretty tough position to hold after you've admitted to what you've admitted to, (to be able to) carry on with any faith from anyone watching. We'll wait and see whether he's told, or whether he stands aside,” Gilchrist said.
“I don't remember a designated leadership group a la Australian rules football where they name who the leadership group is – (in my day) it was pretty much coach, captain, and vice-captain who were the leadership group. Match bans or fines, they're going to pale into insignificance if (Smith) loses the captaincy and if players get relieved of those leadership positions, it might implicate (David) Warner as vice-captain, I don't know. I don't know all the details about this leadership group,” the 46-year-old commented.
Gilchrist also said that he held some sympathy for the current player group in South Africa, given the sense of fraternity that unites cricketers.
“I do think about the players, I try to put my former player's hat on. They will be feeling at the bottom of the rungs here, they will be shattered and disappointed. I know that whoever runs out with the Baggy Green on, they're going to be disappointed and frustrated. In all likelihood, I think they're going to get blown away in this Test match,” the 3-time World-Cup winning player said.
For the time being, Smith has stepped down as captain while Warner has also stepped down as vice-captain. However, as of now, it is only for this Test match that the two of them will play under Tim Paine’s leadership.
0
0
0
0
0
0
Comments
Sign up or log in to your account to leave comments and reactions
0 Comments