Liam Plunkett Feels 'No-Sorry' for Australia Over Ball-Tampering Taunts
Published - 16 Jun 2018, 08:41 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:52 PM
England pace bowler, Liam Plunkett feels “no sorry” for tourists Australia, as the team continue to overcome the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
There have been quite some concerns over Australia receiving abuse from English crowd for the sandpaper gate during the 1st ODI. However, there were only some minor taunts against the visitors during the first game at The Oval.
One of the companies tried to make the most out of the situation by handing out branded sandpaper to the spectators.
But the plan had little effect, as the stewards had seized sandpaper from most of the spectators before entering the stadium.
England won the first ODI by three wickets and the second game will be taking place in Cardiff on Saturday. The Welsh fans have not been slow to give stick to Australia in the past.
With ball-tampering scandal, many expect quite a hostile environment for the Aussies during the game. And English pacer, Liam Plunkett says the Australians could have no complaint after the recent incidents.
“I don’t feel sorry for them,” Plunkett told reporters on Friday. “You’re going to get it — it’s part of sport.
“I’m sure it would be the same if someone on the England team had done that … you get plenty of stick when you go and play against Australia Down Under.”
Plunkett was also confident about the Tim Paine-led side to overcome the taunts just like the previous Aussie sides.
“I’m sure their guys have had plenty of stick in the past, and they’ll just brush it off,” he added.
Ball Tampering Scandal Still Shaking Australian cricket
After the unfolding of the events in March, Cricket Australia banned then captain Steven Smith and David Warner for 12 months from playing international cricket. Also, Cameron Bancroft was handed a nine-month ban.
However, the implications did not just end there. Coach Darren Lehmann decided to step down at the end of the South Africa series and the CEO of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland also resigned very recently.
It has led to completely new look Australian cricket at all levels. The team are yet to find their feet and might take considerable time to get their plans together.
With World Cup in just 12 months time, Cricket Australia will need to find quick solutions to defend their title.