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‘Is It Fair to Ask?’: Former World Cup Winning Captain Questions Warner’s Timing on Sandpaper Gate Comments
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has shared his thoughts on veteran David Warner’s recent comments about the Sandpaper Gate scandal.
In an interview on ESPN’s “Around the Wicket,” Clarke recognized the pressures that Warner and others endured but criticized the timing of Warner’s remarks.
Timing of Warner’s Sandpaper Gate Remarks Questioned
“I understand where Davey comes from. I think parts of what he said are fair enough. I don’t think he has got the timing right,”
“I don’t think it is fair to say that he is the only one who’s copped it. I think Cameron Bancroft has certainly copped it, and it is the reason he is not in the Australian Test team, because of what happened years ago. Steve Smith, obviously, copped it and lost the Australia captaincy.”
Clarke’s remarks follow Warner’s reflection on the lasting effects of the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. Warner, along with Smith and Bancroft, was implicated in the incident during a Test match in South Africa.
Warner and Smith faced year-long bans from Cricket Australia (CA), while Bancroft’s suspension lasted nine months. Warner was also permanently barred from leadership roles in Australian cricket.
During a press conference, Warner expressed, “Since 2018, I’ve probably been the sole recipient of a lot of criticism. Whether it’s from those who dislike the Australian cricket team or from those who dislike me personally, I’ve consistently borne the brunt of it.”
Despite the controversy, Warner has achieved significant milestones, such as winning the T20 World Cup 2021, the World Test Championship 2023, and the ODI World Cup 2023.
As Australia, under the leadership of Mitchell Marsh, progresses to the Super 8 stage of the current T20 World Cup 2024, Clarke and other former captains like Aaron Finch have stressed the need to stay focused throughout the tournament.
