Australia in crisis The big questions

Q

Why did James Sutherland not use the word cheating?

A

Possibly under legal advice, but the players have already been found guilty and will be punished today. His failure to condemn the players once again suggests that Cricket Australia has not grasped the gravity of what happened in Cape Town.

Q

Is it credible the bowlers did not know?

A

Given how particular international teams are about ballpolishing it is surprising the bowlers and bowling coach did not know about a plan to scuff the ball. What would be the point of scuffing one side of the ball to help it swing without telling the bowlers with the job of dismissing South Africa? But the investigators have to rely on personal testimony and they have believed the bowlers, who denied any knowledge.

Q

Why was Darren Lehmann using a walkie-talkie moments after the incident was shown on screen?

A

This has not been answered. Lehmann has not spoken publicly yet about why he radioed down to the 12th man, who then went out with a message for Cameron Bancroft.

Q

Is David Warner the new KP?

A

Kevin Pietersen was singled out by the England and Wales Cricket Board as responsible for the 5-0 Ashes whitewash and it looks like Warner will receive the heaviest punishment in this case. Jim Maxwell, the respected Australia commentator, believes he will not play for his country again. Unpopular, and with a long record of disciplinary problems, Warner is an easy scapegoat and looks set for a life on the Twenty20 circuit.

Q

Why was Bancroft in the “leadership group”?

A

Smith used the phrase on Saturday. Bancroft, as the least experienced member of the team, would not be part of that group. Using him to carry out the ball-tampering will damage Smith and Warner the most in the eyes of the Australian public.