Cricket-Match-Special ... A forum for discussion

sussexpob wrote:I'd give Smith 2 extra years for his OTT press conference tears. I'm 99% sure that was frankly embarrassing acting

You're a harsh man sussex. I've seen Smith attempt to act in his various endorsement deals/ads over here. Trust me, he's not even that good an actor. His bat would be more animated in comparison.

The other thing that makes it seem genuine to me rather than staged is Lehmann standing down after Smith's conference. After CA concluded that he didn't know what was going on and let him keep his job, to see him resign over Smith's conference means that he clearly thought the bloke was genuine. Yes, it could all have been elaborately staged, but to be quite honest, I don't believe that a bunch of chumps who were so daft to get caught cheating in such a ham-fisted way would have the wherewithal to stage something quite so elaborate. Occam's razor and all.

I think Smith was sincere in his apology, and that he and Bancroft will work hard to regain their standing.

As to whether others knew about it, or if it has happened before, the whole team and management appear to have concluded that the answer is no. Either the players have got together and come up with the same story, and are letting the three take the fall for the team, or it's true. Given Cricket Australia have concluded that it's true, we can have our suspicions (and it sure does seem unlikely that the incident was this isolated), but we'll never know for sure.

As to whether others knew about it, or if it has happened before, the whole team and management appear to have concluded that the answer is no. Either the players have got together and come up with the same story, and are letting the three take the fall for the team, or it's true. Given Cricket Australia have concluded that it's true, we can have our suspicions (and it sure does seem unlikely that the incident was this isolated), but we'll never know for sure.

What would such an investigation involve?

1. Ask those involved already having their images burnt in squares around Australia and already banned for a year, if they continually and consistently did it?

2. Ask the team mates, witnessing already the destruction of Smith and Warner, to basically admit being part of it by saying it happened before?

It might be a tiny presumptuous, but I am fairly confident that 0.00% of people are going to throw themselves into the fire at this point.

sussexpob wrote:

GarlicJam wrote: Does anyone else feel any unease about this?

From what angle? The fact it was a bit of a punt meaning it could happen far more, or that the Saffers were looking hard for it?

then they are doing something different from what everyone else does

Hey! They are cheating better (or worse) than us! Not fair.


That's not all of it though. It gives me a sense of unease that I can't really define (at the moment).

GarlicJam wrote:Hey! They are cheating better (or worse) than us! Not fair.


That's not all of it though. It gives me a sense of unease that I can't really define (at the moment).

I didnt read it like that, but it could be taken like that I guess.

bigfluffylemon wrote: You're a harsh man sussex

The 2 years extra was obviously a joke, as was in my belief his acting. I felt like I was back in the UK at my mums watching low budget soap actors fake cry.

Lehmann on the other hand looked pretty upset.

sussexpob wrote:

bigfluffylemon wrote: You're a harsh man sussex

The 2 years extra was obviously a joke, as was in my belief his acting. I felt like I was back in the UK at my mums watching low budget soap actors fake cry.

Lehmann on the other hand looked pretty upset.

I don't think it was acting, and from the reaction most seem to think it's genuine. Let's leave it at that, as we're obviously going to disagree.

bigfluffylemon wrote:

sussexpob wrote:

bigfluffylemon wrote: You're a harsh man sussex

The 2 years extra was obviously a joke, as was in my belief his acting. I felt like I was back in the UK at my mums watching low budget soap actors fake cry.

Lehmann on the other hand looked pretty upset.

I don't think it was acting, and from the reaction most seem to think it's genuine. Let's leave it at that, as we're obviously going to disagree.

I have no sympathy at all for Lehmann. He created this monster and hopefully it's the last we'll ever see of him.

Another thing that annoyed me immensely is Bancroft referring to the sandpaper as tape. Even after being caught out (soz) he still lied. Smith didn't rush to correct him either.

It's interesting to think if they would have kept on doing this, had they not been rumbled.

Cheats never prosper.

sussexpob wrote:

budgetmeansbudget wrote: I feel certain if it had been Cook and Root the slaughter would have been very similar.

No, in England the biggest crime is whistling. Do with the ball what you want, just dont whistle while doing it

I think worldwide a grass is probably thought of on a similar level to a cheat.

Both carried out by slimey unsavoury characters, trying to further their own selfish interests often financially motivated.

David warner gave a tearful press conference.

Here is another captain and team that hasn't survived a series with SA. Remarkable how often that occurs.

It's probably been mentioned, but I am reminded of the 'ending careers' comments ahead of the ashes.

Yes, and Lehmann saying he wanted to send Broad home in tears!

Durhamfootman wrote:It's probably been mentioned, but I am reminded of the 'ending careers' comments ahead of the ashes.

Just a shame Nathan Lyon wasn't involved (he probably was), would have loved to see him break down in front of the cameras, and admitting his career was over.

I was thinking the same thing. Lyon was sent out (presumably by the 'leadership group') to specifically say that, of course. Part of the culture that Lehman brought to the team