The entire cricketing universe is in a state of shock lately due to the events that transpired on Day 3 of Cape Town Test.
Australian captain Steve Smith and his partner in crime Cameron Bancroft admitted blatantly about ball tampering and cheating, bringing disgrace to the game of cricket and Australian culture.
From Michael Clarke to Adam Gilchrist, one and all expressed their shock and disappointments on the latest black mark on Australian cricket’s reputation.
Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy and renowned sports editor, Cameron Williams, joined forces to condemn Smith’s act on Saturday.
Healy foresees a major suspension for Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft. Also, Healy believes captain Smith should be sacked from his coveted position.
“I was angry, weird and astonished that it could happen even at a one-off behaviour. I’m sure they must have had a massive warning last Test match. To tidy everything up and get this team on the riles and into the hearts. But now they’re cheating,” Ian Healy commented while talking to Channel 9.
“Both Bancroft and Steve Smith should be sacked. Not forever but a big suspension is called for. Steve Smith is in charge of the leadership group,” replied Healy when asked about the verdict on Smith and Bancroft post the sandpaper gate.
Further, Ian Healy took a jibe at Steve Smith for not taking sole responsibility for the decision, while calling his action as ‘un-Australian’.
“It was un-Australian to state that the leadership group decided about that. Take it on yourself, you are responsible for what the team does. The Captain and Bancroft must go and have a rest for some time,” concluded Ian Healy.
An emotional Cameron Williams tagged 24th March as one of the darkest days for Cricket Australia. “This is a really awful day. It’s a kick in the guts day. It’s a ‘what does it mean to be Australian?’ day,” slammed Williams.
Both Smith and Sutherland should step down: Williams
Williams mentioned that the post of a captain is one of the most decorated ones in Australia and Steve Smith does not belong there anymore.
“When John Howard was Prime Minister he said the Australian cricket captaincy was the highest office in the land and he was barely joking. Steve Smith holds that office but he should stand down immediately,” added the top-notch Sports Editor for Channel Nine.
However, Williams expressed his shock over the entire Sandpaper incident as he rated Smith along with the likes of Don Bradman.
“This humiliating act smears our national reputation, it sickens all who love cricket and use its sporting spirit as one of the signposts of life. Steve Smith is the best since Bradman. I like him a lot. I can’t believe he did this,” Williams continued.
In conclusion, Cameron Williams suggested both captain, as well as CA Chief James Sutherland, must step down, giving the fact that the recent pay dispute caused a great rift between players and the administration already.
“But he should stand down. Right now. And with him should go Chief Executive James Sutherland who long ago lost contact with his highly-paid, puffed-up, cheating employees. Australia deserves better,” concluded Williams.
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