Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were reportedly aware of the ball-tampering plan

The Australians aren’t renowned for playing the game fairly as they often work on the border of the laws and they have paid a heavy price for their actions this time. The incidents which panned out during the third day’s play will go down as one of the darkest phases in the history of Australian cricket. Several revelations came to the fore which have severely jolted the reputation of cricket in the country. Steve Smith stepped down from the leader’s role after which he was slapped with a one-Test ban along with a fine of 100 percent of his match fees.

Recently, Darren Lehmann also is expected to hand out his resignation as the head coach of the team. However, another revelation has emerged in the controversy which could dent them further. As per reports run by a prominent media house, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood might also have played a role in the shambolic act.

Starc and Hazlewood ‘playing dumb’

Smith, during the press conference after the third day’s play, mentioned that the leadership group, which involves Smith, David Warner, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood took the decision. However, the pace bowling duo of Starc and Hazlewood have denied such claims, and that has reported created a rift within the team.

However, sources close to the developments have confirmed their involvement in the matter. “They knew about it – don’t worry about that. You don’t have something like this happen and the whole team not know. Of course, they are playing dumb about it – you can’t blame them,” the source mentioned.

Skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft have already found themselves in an unwanted loop and their cricketing career is set to take a huge hit once Cricket Australia announces the punishment.

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