5 Biggest Australian Cricket Team Controversies

Sports often include controversy, and cricket is no exception. Although cricket is known as "The Gentlemen's Game," there are plenty of occasions when players conduct in a way that takes away from the spirit of the game. Players have occasionally been severely punished and subjected to harsh criticism for their behavior and actions, which has generated a great deal of controversy blemishing the good name of Cricket. While talking about cricket controversies, one team that has been embroiled in several scandals in the past is Australia. There are numerous instances where Australian players have disregarded the rules of the game and done something that sullied not only their reputation but also slandered the image of Australian cricket. These events, many of which have been recorded on video, continue to serve as prime instances of cricket's most contentious issues. Here, we examine the top 5 disputes in Australian cricket history.

Shane Warne Banned For Consuming Drugs

Even though he was regarded as one of the world's greatest spinners, the renowned former Australian spinner was also well-known for his on-field disputes with players and umpires. But still, this one remains to be one of the most famous Shane Warne controversies. From 1992 until 2007, Shane Warne played for the Australian cricket team. He participated in 194 One Day International matches and 145 Test Cricket matches, during which he claimed 293 and 708 wickets at an economy of 4.25 and 2.65, respectively.

However, following his drug use during the ODI World Cup 2003, the formidable leg spinner was suspended for a full year. Warne, the renowned spinner from Australia, had gone to South Africa for the ICC ODI World Cup 2003. Prior to Australia's opening game, Warne tested positive for a prohibited substance. In response, Cricket Australia (CA) suspended the Australian spinner for one year owing to the event. Warne tested positive for the diuretics amiloride and hydrochlorothiazide, which are often prescribed to help with short-term weight loss. Warne returned to Australia in 2003 after being banned from the World Cup. He was replaced in the Australia squad by Brad Hogg.

Smith’s Brain Fade At Bengaluru 

It’s one of the famous Steve Smith controversies that led to worldwide criticism of the player. In the 2017 Test match between Australia and India in Bengaluru, Steve Smith faced backlash for improper use of DRS. On Umesh Yadav's ball, Smith was declared leg before wicket by on-field umpire Nigel Llong. Smith was eager to use DRS in response to the decision. After speaking with Peter Handscomb, a non-striker, Smith sought assistance from the dressing room. When he asked if he should request DRS, he made a gesture toward the dressing room wanting to get their opinion.

The Indian players were offended by this and took their grievance to the umpires. Steve Smith's behavior infuriated Indian captain Virat Kohli. When umpire Nigel Llong noticed Steve Smith cheating, he immediately informed him that it was not permitted. Smith couldn't get DRS and had to vacate the crease. Cricket rules say that a batsman can only confer with a non-striker prior to taking a DRS, per the regulations. Before making a DRS during fielding, a captain might confer with his fielders. It is necessary to make the DRS call within 15 seconds of the on-field umpire's ruling.

The Infamous Ball Tampering Incident

March 24, 2018, a dark day in cricket history, occurred five years ago when it was discovered that former captain Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft, and David Warner were engaged in the notorious 'Sandpaper Gate' incident. This was one of the biggest Australian cricketers controversies of all time which almost destroyed Australian cricket. The three were convicted of trying to tamper with the ball during the third Test in Cape Town against South Africa. The event happened during the third day of the match.

The cameras captured the Australian, Bancroft, the youngest of the three, rubbing the ball with something yellow. Bancroft reportedly attempted to conceal it under his pants and persuaded the on-field umpires that he was cleaning the ball using a microfiber cloth. Warner, Smith, and Bancroft acknowledged using yellow adhesive tape to tamper with the ball at the press conference. But an investigation revealed that the substance was, in fact, sandpaper. Smith acknowledged knowing about the scheme, although at first, he refused to resign as captain.

Bancroft was found guilty of a Level 2 offense by the International Cricket Council (ICC), while Smith was accused of undermining the spirit of the game. Smith and Warner resigned as captain and vice-captain after acknowledging the accusations. Warner and Smith were both barred from the Indian Premier League that season. Furthermore, Smith, Warner, and Bancroft received 12-month bans from Cricket Australia, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban. Following these incidents, Tim Paine was named captain. After completing their bans, Warner, Smith, and Bancroft rejoined the team. As Warner and Smith made a comeback, Bancroft's bad performance resulted in him being dropped from the team.