AUSTRALIA coach Justin Langer has revealed the moment he found out young West Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft was busted for tampering the ball during Australia’s horror tour of South Africa.
It was the incident which plunged Australian cricket into its darkest trenches and saw the moment become a headline across the world.
The mayhem unfolded in Cape Town during day three of the third Test against a South Africa team which had control of the series.
What ensued was swift and severe backlash which eventually resulted in skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Test newcomer Cameron Bancroft handed suspensions.
Despite being cleared of having any prior knowledge of the tampering, Darren Lehmann, coach at the time, also handed in his resignation.
“The key finding is that prior knowledge was limited to three players, Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft,” Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said.
“No other players or support staff had prior knowledge, this includes Darren Lehmann.”
As the world watched on, Justin Langer sat back praying it wasn’t who he thought it was.
“I flicked the telly on … and all I can see is this hand with something, which was obviously sandpaper, and I recognise the hand because Cam Bancroft has got really big hands,” Langer said on the latest edition of The Howie Games podcast with Mark Howard.
“Cameron Bancroft is like one of my sons. I said to Gracie (daughter) just pray that isn’t Cameron and she said what do you mean and I said just pray.
“I was angry, I was sad, I was sad for Cameron and Australian cricket and I just knew it was going to have a big impact.”
‘WARNER JUST SEEMED SO ANGRY’
The entire Test series was plagued by controversial moments both on and off the field with the ball-tampering incident the final nail in the coffin.
It all kicked off during the opening Test when Warner and South African wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock clashed as the teams headed for the dressing rooms during a break in play.
Warner claimed he was reacting to a “vile and disgusting” remark about his wife Candice by de Kock.
Both players were punished for the bust-up with Warner fined 75 per cent of his match fee and de Kock 25 per cent.
Warner was then back in the thick of the action for the second Test when fans mocked his wife with masks of Sonny Bill Williams.
“I think back to what I saw in South Africa and I see Davey Warner leading up to it and he just seemed at that time so angry … and that doesn’t make sense,” Langer said to Mark Howard.
“I can’t wait to have my first sit down with Davey and just ask him what led to that point mate where you seemed so grumpy with life.
“Because we’ve just got to keep reminding ourselves how much we love the game.”
Langer has been tasked with leading Australia back into the light and changing the culture surrounding the team.
Despite that, Langer has stated his Australia will continue to sledge opposition teams as they look to play hard, but fair, cricket.
“I think one of the things that’s really important is that we keep looking to earn respect,” said Langer.
“To me respect is worth more than all the gold in the world. We must earn respect on and off the field.
“Another thing we did in Western Australia … was we looked to encourage great cricketers and great Australians. That’s a really important foundation for us. It’s about being good citizens and good cricketers.”
Langer and his new look Australian Test squad travel to the UAE for a two-Test series against Pakistan, starting on October 7 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium before the series wraps up with the second Test starting on October 16.
You can listen to Mark Howard’s full interview with Justin Langer by downloading the podcast.
Be the first to comment