The local cricketing community have weighed in on the ball-tampering scandal which has rocked the sport, and the nation, with Armidale Cricket president Mike Porter labeling the act as an “absolute disgrace”.
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Australian captain Steve Smith admitted on Sunday to having teammate Cameron Bancroft tamper with the ball as Australia struggled to overcome South Africa in the third test.
Porter blasted the players involved and said they should sit out for an extended period of time.
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“These blokes should be wiped out of the game for 12 months or two years,” he said.
“People see it, kids will see it and they will think ‘well if that goes on in cricket I am not sure I want to play’.
“They have got to the top of their sport and are held up as role models, idols and whatever and here they are trying to rough up the ball.
“These guys are getting paid millions of dollars to play a game they love, they have worked hard to get to the top and they want to throw it all away because South Africa can swing the ball more than they can.”
Porter believed the duo, along with anyone else involved should be sent home immediately to begin their time-out from the sport.
“Send them home and bring someone over that wants to wear the baggy green with pride and without being known as a cheat,” he said.
“I cannot even fathom why they would want to do it.”
Guyra first grade captain Charlie Keen agreed the offending players deserve firm disciplinary action but believed Smith’s playing achievements need to be taken into account once his punishment has been served.
“At the end of the day it's cheating no matter what level of cricket you play,” he said.
“It’s not what you want young kids playing cricket in Australia to think is acceptable.
“I think a harsh but fair punishment is required for Smith and who ever else is involved.
“But saying that, I also think once the punishment is done, Smith (in my opinion) is the only candidate for the captaincy.
“Look at his achievements the last few years as captain and batsman.
“He made a major error as captain and has to pay for it but he still is the best player in the world at the moment.”
City captain Kyle Taylor added: “Nah I have nothing to add, I think everything has been said.”
Hillgrove skipper Matt Schaefer also had “no comment here sorry”.
Brad Smith, who captains a Tamworth team, said junior Test player Cameron Bancroft’s decision to tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa at Cape Town, with the backing of the team’s “leadership group”, sent a horrible message to children.
Easts captain Sam Uphill and Ex-Services’ John Elliot were contacted by The Armidale Express for comment but did not respond.