5 Biggest Controversies In Australian Cricket History

Controversies are part of sports and cricket is no different. Cricket is termed as The Gentlemen’s Game but there are many moments when players bring shame to the spirit of the game with their actions. Sometimes, players have also faced massive criticisms for their actions and given severe punishment, leading to a big controversy.

Australia is one team that has been involved in many controversies in the past. There have been many incidents when Australian players violated the spirit of the game. Many of these incidents were caught on camera and are still serves as examples of the biggest controversies in cricket. Here we look at the 5 biggest controversies in Australian cricket history.

5 Biggest Controversies In Australian Cricket History

Trevor Chappell Bowls Underarm Ball

During an ODI match between Australia and New Zealand in 1981 at Melbourne Cricket Stadium, Australian skipper Greg Chappell and Trevor Chappell were heavily criticized for hampering the spirit of the game of cricket. It was the third ODI between Australia and New Zealand of the 5-match ODI series. The series was tied at 1-1. On the last ball of the 2nd innings, New Zealand needed 7 runs to win and a six to tie the match.

Australia skipper Greg Chappel told the bowler and also his younger brother Trevor Chappell to bowl an underarm ball. Underarm balling was legal at that time but considered against the spirit of the game. Brian McKechnie was the New Zealand batsman on strike. As planned, Trevor bowled an underarm delivery so that the batsman would not get enough power and elevation to hit a six.

McKechnie blocked the ball away and threw his bat away in frustration. However, the Australian team and particularly Greg Chappel were heavily criticized for their actions. After the incident, ICC banned underarm bowling from cricket.

Shane Warne Banned For Consuming Drugs in 2003

During ODI World Cup 2003, Shane Warne was banned for one year for consuming a banned substance. The former legendary Australian spinner Warner had traveled to South Africa to play ICC ODI World Cup 2003. He had also announced that he will retire from international cricket after the tournament. Before Australia’s first match, Warner was tested positive for a banned positive.

Also Read: It’s Time To Look Ahead, Not In The Rear-Vision Mirror – Ian Chappell Against Steve Smith’s Reappointment As Captain

Cricket Australia (CA) banned the Australian spinner for one year due to the incident. Warner had tested positive for drugs hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride- diuretics usually used to aid temporary weight loss. These were also considered as masking agents for performing-enhancing drugs. Due to the ban, Warner could not take part in World Cup 2003 and traveled back to Australia. Brad Hogg replaced him in the Australia squad.

Michael Clarke’s Wrong Catch to Dismiss Sourav Ganguly

During India’s tour of Australia in 2008, Sourav Ganguly was wrongly given out. The incident happened during India vs Australia 2nd Test in Sydney. In the 4th innings, India were chasing a 333-run target. India were railing at 137-5 with Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni on the crease. Ganguly got an edge off Brett Lee’s ball which went to 3rd slip Michael Clarke. Clarke claimed to have caught the ball in spite of the ball hitting the ground first.

Also Read: Cameron Bancroft Replies To Cricket Australia; Says He Is Supportive Of CA’s Investigation In The Ball-Tampering Scandal

Clarke started celebrating the catch along with his teammates. Ganguly was confused if it was a clean catch. However, Australia skipper Ricky Ponting insisted that Ganguly was out and the latter had to leave the crease. However, it was clearly visible in the replays that the ball hit the ground first and Ganguly was indeed not out. India lost the match by 122 runs in the end.

Steve Smith Cheats While Using DRS

During India vs Australia Test in Bengaluru in 2017, Steve Smith was criticized for using DRS in the wrong manner. Smith was given out LBW on Umesh Yadav’s delivery by on-field umpire Nigel Llong. Smith was keen to use DRS over the decision. Smith had a discussion with non-striker Peter Handscomb and then took the help of the dressing room. He gestured to the dressing room to ask whether he should ask for DRS.

This upset the Indian players who took the matter to umpires. Indian skipper Virat Kohli was fumed over Steve Smith’s act. Umpire Nigel Llong spotted Steve Smith’s cheating and straightaway told him that it is not allowed. Smith was denied to take DRS and had to leave the crease.

Also Read: If I Was Smith, Warner Or Bancroft, I’d Want The Others Publicly Recognized For Their Part In What Happened: Ian Chappell

According to rules, a batsman can only consult a non-striker before taking a DRS. While fielding, a captain can consult his fielders before taking a DRS. The call for DRS has to be taken within 15 seconds after the on-field umpire’s decision.

Australia’s Ball-Tampering Scandal Of 2018

During an away Test series against South Africa in March 2018, Australian captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were involved in ball-tampering. Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to tamper the ball. Upon investigations, it was revealed that Steve Smith and David Warner were also involved in the planning of the incident. As a result, all three players were banned by Australia Cricket Board.

Also Read: Stuart Broad Looking Forward To More Revelations On The Sandpapergate If David Warner Decides To Write A Book After Retiring

Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for one year while Cameron Bancroft was banned for 9 months. Steve Smith was also banned from captaincy for the next two years while Warner was banned from captaincy for the rest of his career. Tim Paine replaced Smith as the Test skipper while Aaron Finch replaced Warner as the ODI and T20I captain.