England’s Test skipper Joe Root says he does not suspect Australia of any ball-tampering during the recent Ashes series. Meanwhile, Root’s comments came in the wake of the recent ball-tampering scandal involving Australia.
Although England lost the series 4-0 to lose the Ashes urn to the Aussies, Root is concerned about the past. He also reiterated that he was unaware of any foul play during the Ashes.
“Not to my knowledge. I personally wasn’t aware of anything going on throughout that series. I have enough to worry about at the moment‚” he said, before acknowledging, “all this is disappointing for Test cricket and for cricket in general.”
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia sacked captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, following the revelations. Tim Paine led the side on the fourth day as Australia went down 2-1 in the series.
However, later Smith said the team’s “leadership group” had a plan, carried out by Cameron Bancroft, to tamper with the ball to “get an advantage.”
ICC gave a one-match ban to Smith following his admission that he was a party to a decision to alter the ball’s condition while Cameron Bancroft avoided it but got three demerit points.
Meanwhile, Root has always tended to take a different line to Smith over the responsibilities of a captain. The highly talented batsman accepts that the captain has a greater obligation than that to ensure the game is played properly.
“As captain, you’re responsible for how everyone else behaves. I have to look after my group and make sure I’m happy with how they conduct themselves. But any international player should know the rules. I should not have to back that up. It’s as simple as that.
“Every time you go out on the field you know there is a load of cameras. You are under the spotlight. It’s important that you give everything and you do everything to win. But in the right way‚” Root concluded.
Meanwhile, England lost to New Zealand in the day-night Test by an innings and 49 runs. They are now 1-0 down in the two-match Test series.
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