With Australian cricket in turmoil following the ball tampering incident, former England skipper Kevin Pietersen believes that only two former Australian cricketers can restore the ‘baggy green’ pride.
The Australian cricket has been rocked by the sensational incident that took place during the Cape Town Test. On the third day of the game, Cameron Bancroft was captured using yellow tape to scruff up the ball. Once the broadcasters repeatedly aired the footage and even displayed it on the giant screen, Bancroft was seen slipping the yellow tape inside his trousers. At the end of day’s play, Smith and Bancroft sensationally revealed that the ‘leadership group’ of the team made plans to change the condition of the ball.
On the following day, Smith and David Warner stood down as captain and vice-captain respectively. Smith was also handed a one-match ban by ICC while Bancroft accumulated three demerit points.
Cricket Australia (CA) has launched its investigation. Earlier this week, CA’s Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard and Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Integrity Iain Roy traveled to Johannesburg. They are now all set to be joined by CA Chief Executive James Sutherland.
With the Australian team engulfed in the controversy, Pietersen believes legendary duo Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer could restore the team’s pride. The former batsman also said that the duo should travel to the African country along with Sutherland. Ponting led Australia to two World Cup titles, one Ashes, and several other monumental wins. On the other hand, Langer retired as one of the greatest ever Test openers for Australia.
“2 men can restore that Baggy Green now – Justin Langer & Ricky Ponting. Men with immense Pride, Honour, Courage, Integrity & RESPECT! They should be flying to SA with James Sutherland RIGHT NOW!,” Pietersen tweeted.
2 men can restore that Baggy Green now – Justin Langer & Ricky Ponting.
Men with immense Pride, Honour, Courage, Integrity & RESPECT!
They should be flying to SA with James Sutherland RIGHT NOW!
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) March 26, 2018