Cricket saga disappoints
I WRITE the following letter with attention to Cricket Australia.
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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
The significance of Easter
So why is this season such a big event
Wasn’t it Christmas when Gods son was sent?
Totally…
But this is the purpose, why He came
And if you grasp it, you’ll not be the same,
When you realise just how much He gave
And the reason why He went to the grave.
Also the reason death couldn’t take hold
You’ll understand why this event has to be told.
Love conquers all, as it did on that day
When an innocent person had to pay
He took supernatural to a new stage
The day that Gods Son, rose from the grave.
Love sent Jesus to die on the tree
And Love bought Him back for you and for me
Shirl Hair, Horsham
Fires in the south-west
Sirens blaring, danger, red alert,
Tension builds, action stations,
Blistering heat, soaring winds escalating,
Immense speed, overpowering struggle exists,
Fire raging beyond belief,
Unbelievable mass, extensive damage,
Orange-red glow, flickering flames, trail of destruction,
Alarming shock, blanketed smoke, covering the atmosphere,
Terror reigns, survival counts, blackened lifeless Earth,
Scarred ground, smell, ruined
Sheer torment, burnt beyond recognition
Battle against nature, unbelievable tolerance
Power within.
I am sorry to all the people affected by the horrific south-west fires for your loss.
Thinking of you all.
Susan Thorogood, Horsham