I do mean that seriously, even though a little sarcasm might not seem out of place right now. The game of cricket is usually played with respect and honour, by national and local teams. I know a lot of people will claim that ball tampering happens everywhere to some extent, but it's really not a common thing for most players to do.
I don't need to say a lot on the fiasco involving the Australian team in South Africa last week. It's all playing out in the media - and probably will continue to for a number of weeks yet. Needless to say, it will have an impact on players at every level of cricket. My own husband and son, who both play in our local competition, were horrified by the whole thing; absolutely gutted that the heroes they look up to would stoop to that level to try to get ahead in a match.
For me personally, it has been fascinating to watch. I'm actually not a huge fan of Steve Smith or David Warner, and never have been. No particular reason, I've just never really taken to either of them. I would never have imagined a scenario like this though. I do find myself feeling a little sorry for them, as well as Cameron Bancroft and Darren Lehmann, as the saga continues to unfold. I think the punishments handed out so far are fair - even though I know there are other teams around the world who have broken the rules in a similar way and been punished to a lesser extent. As far as I'm concerned, the penalties for such actions SHOULD be harsh, and if Australia sets a new standard here then maybe it will be a good thing for the sport in the long run.
On another note, as a Mum, I couldn't help but wonder how the players' parents felt when the news first broke. I imagine there would be a mixture of horror at what they've done, combined with a burning desire to protect them from the world and make sure they get through this scandal with their mental health intact. I also believe their families should be left out of the entire thing by the media and by the general public ... complete strangers attacking players' wives online over a choice their husbands made is a really low act.
There has been a flood of new memes on social media, thanks to all this drama. Many of them are quite hilarious, although I'm guessing it will be a long time before any of the players involved can see the funny side. It seems harsh right now that we're being laughed at by the rest of the world, but we're quick enough to dish it out when it's someone else who has stuffed up. We really have no right to complain. It's so Australian, to make fun of ourselves and each other.
I'm sure Australian cricket will be tainted for some time and we'll have to fight our way back but, as the saying goes, this too shall pass.
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