Justin Langer defends players over 2018 Sandpapergate scandal
Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft not only took the fall for the Australian cricket team, they also took it for cricketers around the world, former head coach Justin Langer said while discussing new details of the 2018 sandpapergate scandal.
The 2018 ball-tampering controversy has resurfaced during Australia’s current Test series in South Africa, news.com.au reported. The saga recently drew fresh commentary after Warner suggested in an interview that there is potentially more left to uncover regarding the incident. Warner later responded on an Instagram post by Code Sports which called for full disclosure by the Australian Cricket Board, writing, “When this happens please do let me know as well.”
Langer Defends Players and Claims Reverse Swing Has Died
Speaking to Prime Video on The Middle With Watto, Langer defended the penalized players and asserted that the mechanics of fast bowling changed permanently after the Cape Town Test. “What I mean by that the ball has not reverse swung anywhere in the world since that day,” Langer said. “Including both teams in the first two Test matches the ball hasn’t reverse swung. Simple.”
Langer also recalled witnessing the intense abuse directed at Smith and Warner by English fans during the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. He described the crowd behavior as disgusting and recounted a comment made by former England player Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff. According to Langer, Flintoff remarked “Those in glasshouses” while external pressure mounted against the Australian side.
Smith and Teammates Reflect on the Fallout
Smith recently addressed the lack of institutional support he experienced during the immediate aftermath of the scandal in 2018. Following an emotional press conference where he was stripped of the captaincy and handed a suspension, Smith said he felt thrown to the wolves without assistance at the airport.
Back-up spinner Josh Holland also detailed the difficult atmosphere within the team camp during that tour, describing the end of the Cape Town Test as a flat finish where two of the squad’s best players were sent home amid heavy emotion.
The 2018 series concluded in a 3-1 defeat for Australia. The touring team returned to South Africa for the current series and secured a 214-run victory in the First Test, with the Second Test continuing under rain delays.
Warner noted ahead of the series that the trip brings back difficult memories for his family. However, he expressed confidence in the current support staff traveling with the squad, wishing the team success as the matches proceed.
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