Michael Clarke, Kevin Pietersen and other stars have their say on Australia ball-tampering admission

Sport360 staff 00:01 25/03/2018
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  • Australia captain Steve Smith and team-mate Cameron Bancroft sensationally admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday.

    Bancroft was caught on television cameras appearing to rub a yellow object on the ball, and later said: “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be here (in the press conference) because I want to be accountable for my actions.”

    Smith added: “The leadership group knew about it. Obviously today was a big mistake on my behalf and the leadership group’s behalf as well, but I take responsibility. I need to take control of the ship. This is something I’m not proud of.”

    Television footage showed Bancroft, 25, take an object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session on the third day of the Test at Newlands.

    He was spoken to by umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth during the 43rd over of South Africa’s second innings after appearing to have the object in his hand after fielding the ball at cover.

    While the umpires were conferring, Bancroft then appeared to place a small yellow object in his underpants.

    When the umpires went across to talk to him he reached into a pocket and showed them what seemed to be a different object — a soft pouch for sunglasses. The umpires took no action and did not change the ball.

    Needless to say, the incident rocked the cricketing world to its core. Here are the reactions from a stunned cricketing world.

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