Ball-tampering scandal a tornado of hysteria: Warne

Ball-tampering scandal a tornado of hysteria: Warne

Shane Warne branded reaction to the Australian ball-tampering scandal a “tornado of hysteria” on Wednesday (March 28) and said the punishments meted out to Steven Smith and David Warner do not fit the crime.

Smith and Warner have been banned from representing their country for a year over the cheating incident during the third Test in South Africa, while Cameron Bancroft has been suspended for nine months.

“We are all so hurt and angry and maybe we weren’t so sure how to react,” Warne wrote on Facebook. “We’d just never seen it before.

“But the jump to hysteria is something that has elevated the offence beyond what they actually did, and maybe we’re at a point where the punishment just might not fit the crime.”

The former legspinner — second on the overall list of Test wicket-takers — said Australia’s enemies had taken the opportunity to put the boot in.

“There are those countries that don’t like Australia, don’t like individuals in the team, and there has been a build-up of hate which has exploded and created this tornado of hysteria,” he wrote.

“But what are the players guilty of? Cheating via ball-tampering and bringing the game into disrepute.

“Their opposing captain in this series, South Africa’s Faf du Plessis, has been charged with the offence twice and opening bowler Vernon Philander once.

“The list of players who have been charged with ball-tampering is long and contains some of the biggest names in the game.”

Warne also questioned the idea of pre-meditated cheating.

“Are there levels of ball tampering, or is it just ball tampering? Is putting a mint in your pocket so you can shine a ball on the field pre-meditated cheating, or just ball-tampering? What about putting sunscreen on the ball? You either ball tamper or you don’t.”

Warne said Smith, the top-ranked Test batsman in the world, was guilty of a “severe error of judgement”.

“I am still trying to wrestle with what I think the punishment should be,” he said. “They have to be harsh, but if they are rubbed out for a year, the punishment does not fit the crime.”

Rajasthan name Smith as skipper for IPL 2018

Rajasthan name Smith as skipper for IPL 2018

Steve Smith has been named captain of Rajasthan Royals for the 2018 edition of Indian Premier League, the franchise announced on Saturday (February 24)

Rajasthan are back in the IPL this year after serving a two-year suspension. Smith, who was a part the side for two years, in 2014 and 2015, was the only player to be retained by the franchise, for Rs 12 crore.

In the interim, Smith was a part of the Rising Pune Supergiant, leading them to the final of the 2017 edition where they eventually lost to Mumbai Indians. He had amassed 472 runs in 15 matches last year.

“It is great to be back at (Rajasthan) Royals. I was with the franchise a few years back. We had a great time. Thanks for giving me the honour and privilege of leading the Royals. I am looking forward to have a successful campaign. Looking forward to working with Warne,” Smith said.

Shane Warne, who was recently appointed as the mentor of the franchise, was effusive in praise for Smith. “I’ve watched him bat through the years, watched him captain the national side. I think he’s the best batsman in Test cricket. Really looking forward to working closely with Smith and hearing his thoughts. Looking forward to helping him if I can and taking the team forward.”

Zubin Bharucha, Rajasthan’s head of cricket, said: “We came to the conclusion that Steve Smith would be the ideal candidate for the job.”

“Smith has been incredible as captain of Australia. He is someone who leads the team by example.”

Rajasthan will play their first fixture of the 2018 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on April 9.