Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, Adam Gilchrist claimed the current ambassadors of Australian cricket had made a mockery of the country’s integrity.
Gilchrist, along with several renowned cricketing personalities in Australia, condemned Steven Smith and his actions on the third day of Cape Town Test.
Smith, in coherence with the leadership group, premeditated the questionable act of Bancroft which comes under the bracket of ball-tampering and cheating.
During the press conference last night, Smith and Bancroft conceded to bringing disgrace to the game and Australia’s cricketing culture.
Gilly expressed his shock and disappointment with the latest development in Australian cricket.
“I’m really sad, shocked, stunned. 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,” commented Adam Gilchrist according to cricket.co.au.
Not sure Smith can remain, captain, says Gilchrist
“This clearly is against the laws of the game. We’ve just had our national captain and our national team admit that they sat down, premeditated and pre-planned a way to cheat. I’m not sure he (Smith), can remain captain,” preached the part of the invincible squad of Australia during the early 2000s and the late 90s.
Further, Gilchrist reckons Smith is now in a tough place having admitted his offence. Smith and Warner received a substantial amount of flak from the cricketing fraternity and the administration from Australia.
“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,” added Gilly.
Adding to the Australian miseries, both David Warner and Steven Smith stepped down from their coveted position in the middle of the Cape Town Test match.
Tim Paine was handed over the captaincy role for the remainder of the match.
“Match bans or fines, they’re going to pale into insignificance if (Smith) loses the captaincy. if players get relieved of those leadership positions. It might implicate (David) Warner as vice-captain. don’t know. Don’t know all the details about this leadership group,” concluded Adam Gilchrist.
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Here’s the daily sports round-up from around the globe on 25th March 2018.
