Top 10 cricketing controversies of the decade

Sandpaper-gate

In March 2018, a massive calamity struck Australian cricket. The Steve Smith-led side were in South Africa and the series was tied 1-1. The Proteas had started to call the shots by the third day of the third Test which was being played in Cape Town. That’s when the desperation kicked in.

Cameron Bancroft who was the youngest member of the team was caught rubbing a yellow sandpaper on the ball, in order to roughen up one side of the ball which will aid reverse swing. Cameras caught Bancroft using the sandpaper and then hiding it in his trousers. In the press conference, Smith walked in with Bancroft to reveal that the latter was not the one to blame. It was the decision of the ‘leadership group’.

What followed was an emotional burst from Australia. The players receive a one-Test suspension if they are found guilty. However, Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian fans did not take this well. The outrage was massive.

David Warner’s name came out in the open as well and the trio were withdrawn from the Test series. Smith was axed as captain. They were deemed as cheaters. The Aussies faced the brunt of everything they had done for years. Their sledging, arrogance, boldness and brashness was targeted as well.

An investigation was set up and eventually, the trio were handed out bans. Bancroft copped a nine-month suspension while Smith and Warner received 12-month bans. It was one of the darkest moments of this decade for the Aussies.