Because for so long they have made themselves out to be whiter than white (and that not just the sugar they used previously to cheat) and criticised anyone who has ever spoken against them saying they NEVER crossed the line. Well they were at it and they crossed the line so they deserve all they get and more.
It's because it's Australia, the team full of sanctimonious hypocrites who love preaching about the spirit of the game.
It's 'broken ****ing arm'
It was the unexpected blatentness of it, followed by the attempt to cover it up and lie to the umpires (organized by the coach!).... and then a press conference of 'admittance' that made a mockery of the whole thing, trying to protect Lehmann, and make it sound as if this was caused by a sudden irrational 'thought' and moment of madness, when clearly it was thought out and deliberate "wrong place wrong time" what the hell reasoning is that?
I was leaving the swearing out as we all know it anyway.
Internet.
The real tragedy is that we may never see his lightsaber moves ever again.
The worst proven incident of this sort ever by some distance. I don't particularly care about any other incident of ball tampering ever, but this time is bad. Caught on camera in a bad way. In a series already generating a media frenzy for controversy. Involving half the team plus the coach. Involving the worst possible team for it to happen to. Lying to the umpires. Horrible statement to the media afterwards involving more lies. We are overreacting, as is the case with pretty much every controversy, but this is a case that deserves a strong reaction.
I remember not liking the Athers incident very much at all and while he was still playing I disliked him as a person and a player because of it.
Yeah IPL - that bastion of morality and high standards
Eating a cricket ball is very hard.
I always thought Atherton should have been sacked for the dirt in the pocket incident. He was craftily hung out to dry by Illingworth and I don't think the press ever really forgave him so the knives were out for him all the time after that. Stayed far too long as captain after being caught like that but I guess it was before Cronje, Azharuddin and spot fixing so less was known other than Botham and Lamb accusing Pakistan of cheating.
Just no.
Agreed. Has been interesting and absorbing reading.
