What’s the fuss? Ball tampering is just cricket

SIR – In light of the worldwide condemnation of the Australian cricket players involved in ball tampering, I was taken aback by a comment in Nick Hoult’s article (Sport, March 29) that there was a lot of sympathy for Cameron Bancroft, one of the cricketers involved, among fellow professionals.

Apparently ball tampering is seen as a relatively minor offence within the game. So what is all the fuss about? Michael Howells

Ashford, Kent

SIR – In Shooting an Elephant, George Orwell writes: “Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, and disregard of all the rules.”

I could not have put it better myself. DJ Goodwin JP

Bude, Cornwall

SIR – Might I suggest sewing up cricketers’ pockets? David Hood

Swaffham, Norfolk

SIR – Could there possibly be a link between President Putin and the Australian ball-tampering scandal? Michael Samson

Worthing, West Sussex