IAN CHAPPELL

In some quarters there’s an outcry that the punishment meted out to Steve Smith and David Warner doesn’t fit the crime.

According to the code of conduct that would appear to be the case, with ball tampering reading like a lesser crime than some others. However, such has been the outcry against this act of cheating that Cricket Australia (CA) has done the culprits a favour.

Their appearance in Australian colours next summer would have resulted in the fans venting their anger, which wouldn’t have done their confidence or rehabilitation process much good. It also wouldn’t have done anything for CA’S image to have two of their former leaders badgered by the home crowd.

Australia’s reaction to the poor judgement of Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft may appear excessive but it’s fuelled by a few different factors.

Firstly, Australia’s expectations when it comes to sport, especially cricket; the public demand high standards and this has resulted in the country having an exceptional record on the sporting field.

There is also this unrealistic belief that Australian cricketers are above the under-handed tactics the public perceive some other countries stoop to in order to win. This image was shattered in Cape Town.

Then there’s the issue of the acrimonious dispute between the Australian players and CA over the most recent MOU. In many quarters, this was perceived as a group of millionaires holding out for even more money. The fact that Warner was one of the more voluble players in that dispute