l write to you ashamed of being associated with Cricket Australia due to the recent ball tampering by the Australian cricket team while on the tour of South Africa.

It beggars belief that these Australian cricketers – who many label complete arrogant morons and who wear the baggy green to represent Australia – have completely put the game into disrepute and ashamed all Australians who have ever played this sport or represented their country.

Cricket, to most Australians, is a sport of national pride and it takes many of us who have limited ability years to forge our own history in the game.

To wake on Sunday morning and hear what had transpired in South Africa has not only taken away my respect for the Australian team but also taken away my support for this game we love in Australia.

To travel from regional country areas to the city to watch our great team costs many the average folk an arm and a leg.

This bizarre act of foolishness and cheating has shown a total disregard for the baggy green, the sport and the Australian supporter.

The following should occur to those involved: 

Steven Smith should be sacked as captain, banned from all international cricket for three years and Cricket Australia should not release Smith to play in any cricket where he gains a financial gain.

David Warner should be sacked as vice-captain, banned from all international cricket for three years and Cricket Australia should not release Warner to play in any cricket where he gains a financial gain.

Cameron Bancroft should be banned from all international cricket for two years and Cricket Australia should not release Bancroft to play in any cricket where he gains a financial gain.

Darren Lehmann should be sacked as coach and ICC should not allow him to have any involvement with any cricket worldwide.

Rip up current lucrative contracts for all players involved and start them, if they play for Australia again, on base salaries.

Rebuild the current culture of the Australian team by having strict players guidelines that include behaviour that is contrary to the players code of conduct.

Cricket Australia has a duty not only to the supporters but also to the sponsors to show they mean business.

The good name and spirit of cricket in Australia has been tarnished forever and those involved in this must pay the price. 

Take away the livelihoods of the individuals involved and l bet they will think twice about what they have done.

The problem is that the current team are arrogant, over paid and so far distanced from normal society.

Set the standards from here on and make those who represent Australia understand the true values required to walk onto a cricket ground and represent the nation.

Steven Smith must never captain Australia again and regardless of his current standing in the game must be made an example of.

Cricket Australia must show our current supporters and expiring youth cricketers that to represent Australia this type of behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Cricket Australia must ensure they look after the players involved, be mindful of the mental health issues this is going to have on each individual's life but in conclusion, these individuals set out to premeditate the cheating of the game and clearly must pay for these indiscretions.

Giving those involved a small ban or fine will not cut it with the supporters of the game and with so much at stake with sponsors and the world watching what happens, Cricket Australia have no choice but to apply sanctions that will be felt by those involved and send a message to the rest of the world that Australia does not accept this and the culture changes from now.

From a disgruntled supporter and lover of the game of cricket.

Antony Dunn, Horsham

Shirl Hair, Horsham 

I am sorry to all the people affected by the horrific south-west fires for your loss. 

Thinking of you all. 

Susan Thorogood, Horsham