Cricket

[tonyw]

One positive thing you can say is that the average Aussie cricket fan won't stand for it - they hate losing, but cheating is far, far, worse. Cricket Australia are going to come down hard (unlike the ICC) because the nation will demand it.

Particularly gratifying to see Warner going under. He's always come across as a thoroughly unlikable, miserable hypocrite. Be great if we never have to see his face anywhere around international cricket again.

As an aside - it was also enjoyable to see the Aussies crumble completely in the 3rd Test.

 

[Marked Ox]

Well that was a cop out by CA

The CEO wouldn't admit it was "cheating" when challenged even though the players' involved have.

Lehmann somehow survives yet he has encouraged the worsening of behaviour/culture within the Australian team. He is either really bad at his job as he didn't know the cheating was going to happen or he knowingly allowed cheating so should go either way. Furthermore, as he is the boss alongside Smith, he is ultimately responsible.

With Lehmann staying in charge, CA have basically ensured that the culture won't change. I hope those bidding for the TV rights have taken notice of the cop out by CA.

 

[makv]

One positive thing you can say is that the average Aussie cricket fan won't stand for it - they hate losing, but cheating is far, far, worse. Cricket Australia are going to come down hard (unlike the ICC) because the nation will demand it.

Particularly gratifying to see Warner going under. He's always come across as a thoroughly unlikable, miserable hypocrite. Be great if we never have to see his face anywhere around international cricket again.

As an aside - it was also enjoyable to see the Aussies crumble completely in the 3rd Test.

Yeah. They’ve come down so hard. Sent Smith (who was already missing the final Test), Warner and Bancroft home. Whoop whoop. Lehmann apparently knew nothing about it (and if so, how did it come to that?)

 

[Yellow River]

I find it difficult to believe that the coach and other senior players (particularly the fast bowlers) were not involved and didn’t know about this.

This means that the ‘leadership group’ consisted of just Smith and Warner??

 

[Gary Baldi]

It stinks of a cover up at the moment. No doubt Sutherland is as angry as he looked, but it feels like Warner and Smith are being hung out to dry to protect the team. I can't see Qantas accepting what they are trying to sell it as today.

Warner somehow has to wear strapping on his thumb while fielding but not when batting. This just makes it even worse: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...icketer-David-Warner-tampered-ball-Ashes.html

But of course, Boof didn't know.

 

[tonyw]

It's grab your popcorn time down under......

Today's press conference was basically just a delaying tactic whilst the CA folks work out a way of saving their own skins.

Suspect the Aussie Prime Minister is going to get involved again before too long, and there's going to be some lifetime bans on their way.

 

[makv]

It's grab your popcorn time down under......

Today's press conference was basically just a delaying tactic whilst the CA folks work out a way of saving their own skins.

Suspect the Aussie Prime Minister is going to get involved again before too long, and there's going to be some lifetime bans on their way.

Yup. Can’t wait!

 

[Gary Baldi]

Looks like Warner is the main fall guy with talk that Smith didn't know much about it. Aggers reckons more to come after this test series. For me, the stories keep subtly changing so there is definitely more to this than they are letting on.

 

[makv]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching Smith weeping at the press conference. And Lehmann’s off too now. It’s the story that keeps on giving.

 

[Berliner]

Only crying cos he got caught...what would have happened without the eagle-eyed SA cameramen? Would they have thrown themselves at the mercy of the press, admitted cheating and resigned? Sure they would...

Absolutely no sympathy for any of them (maybe a smidgen for Bancroft, but he's a big boy and could have said no).

 

[Gary Baldi]

Life comes at you fast doesn't it?

 

[Marked Ox]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching Smith weeping at the press conference. And Lehmann’s off too now. It’s the story that keeps on giving.

Likewise, I rather enjoyed watching that press conference.

 

[Paul Cannell]

It warmed the cockles of my heart.

 

[makv]

As a slight aside - if you’re going to use sandpaper, maybe pick a more neutral colour? Yellow sandpaper FFS?!

 

[Sarge]

As a slight aside - if you’re going to use sandpaper, maybe pick a more neutral colour? Yellow sandpaper FFS?!

Closet U's fan?

 

[Sarge]

Likewise, I rather enjoyed watching that press conference.

Whinging poms? ......Haha sems now we've got snivelling, sobbing convicts

 

[Gary Baldi]

Jack Leach comes in for his debut. I suspect Vince will come in, heaven knows why, because he looks like Tarzan and plays like Jane.

 

[makv]

Lehmann weeping now. f*****g priceless.

 

[Gary Baldi]

That's Cook gone. Cripes. Bowling by the last session I feel.

 

[Yellow River]

Bairstow & Wood dig England out of a hole.

South Africa win toss and bat against Australia. It will be very interesting to see how the Aussies react to the turmoil of the last few days.