2018/02: Has the response to Australian test cricketers' ball-tampering been an over-reaction?
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right: On March 28, Al Jazeera English televised a report on the ball-tampering scandal which occurred during the third test in South Africa.What they said...
'Our cricketers are role models and cricket is synonymous with fair play. How can our team be engaged in cheating like this? It beggars belief'
Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull
'The jump to hysteria is something that has elevated the offence beyond what they actually did...'
Former Australian test cricket fast bowler, Shane Warne
The issue at a glance
On Saturday, March 24, 2018, Australian opener, Cameron Bancroft, was caught by South African cameramen tampering with the ball during the third day of the third test between South Africa and Australia.
Later that day, team captain, Steven Smith, and Bancroft gave interviews stating that attempts had been made to alter the ball using tape.
On March 25, the Australian prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, condemned the Australian cricketers' actions.
March 26: Cricket Australia (CA) officials travelled to South Africa to investigate.
March 27: Smith, Bancroft and vice-captain, David Warner, were sent home from the tour. CA stated they were the only individuals who knew of the plan to alter the condition of the ball.
March 28: CA handed Smith and Warner one-year bans from international and domestic cricket. Bancroft was suspended for nine months, while Warner will not be considered for any leadership roles in future. James Sutherland, CEO of CA, stated that the team coach, Darren Lehmann, knew nothing of the plan. It was confirmed Bancroft used sandpaper and not tape, as they had initially claimed, on the ball.
March 29: Lehmann confirmed he will resign from his post after the fourth Test.
The ball-tampering scandal, popular reactions to it within Australia and the penalties imposed on the players concerned have attracted attention world-wide. There are those who maintain that the public's response and the penalties are appropriate given the seriousness of what occurred. Others have argued that what has transpired since the ball-tampering has been a significant over-reaction.