One eyed pirate
Ward Prentice (10)
Um they didn't tell the truth apparently, appears it was sandpaper and not tape as they claimed. Look I think the punishment is hard, but I suspect the punishment is for all the crap that has happened over the last few years, and has built up to the stage that Aus cricket has to try and save the game! ie if this had been the only thing that had bought the Aus cricket teams name down it probably would of been a lot lighter, but let's be honest they are unfortunately rightly or wrongly seen around the world as an arrogant and unlikeable team and have been for a few years. Even Boof is saying hey maybe we need to be more like the NZ team, who I might add decided in a team meeting a few years back that they were not sure they liked to much where thy were heading and so decided they would kind of just reel in sledging etc and just remember that they played cricket for fun (as well as money no doubt). I not holding NZ team up as models, but Boof actually said it overnight, but you know what, when NZ team took that attitude I think you will find they became a bloody sight better team and players...go figure!
Smith admitted cheating...I don't know how more truthful he can be!...I was comparing him to other national captains who straight out denied it after it was clearly proven and they were charged. I was also noting the vast difference in punishment handed out by their respective cricket associations.
I really enjoyed watching the recent T20 games between Aust and NZ and thought BOTH teams were very respectful of each other. Virtually all Australian cricketers are respectful. I don't like seeing Warner screaming at players in Test matches (even if his wife had been abused), however, the Aust media and public's view that the remainder of the team are 'grubs' is simply incorrect. I cant talk to previous Aust teams (and nor should many others) as I have only been watching a lot of the current team and been 'up close' to them. With the benefit of hindsight CA via Lehman should have been pulling Warner's head in, and to be fair Warner's behaviour was improving up until the South African series. However, the Australian media and public including many on this thread (most of them foreigners I notice) are ill informed about how well behaved and respectful the remainder of the Australian team is. Their view of the current Aust cricket team is simply wrong. If that view has been caused by the action of previous players, then CA is partly at fault for 1) not controlling the coach/players in the past, and/or 2) not taking action to improve the image of its current players/coach in the eye of the Aust public.
Normally, I wouldn't have such strong views but Smith is possibly the best batsman the world has ever seen (his averages were heading towards Bradman) and the Aust cricket association, media and public, for whatever reason, banned him for 12 months after the ICC banned him for 1 game consistent with previous offences!...for something that happens in every Test match to varying degrees.
I am ashamed Smith made a mistake, he should have stopped it even if he wasn't involved, but I am more ashamed by CA and Australian society in general.