In the wake of the last few days I can only say that I am truly concerned for the future of not just cricket in Australia but the country as a whole. I have this morning watched Steve Smith’s, Cameron Bancroft’s and Darren Lehman’s statements and David Warner’s comment to the press. My heart goes out to them. They have become nothing more than the newest targets for the media. Like specimens in a science lab they will be poked, prodded and put through mind shatteringly cruel scrutiny all for the sake of what seems to pass today as acceptable journalism. They will be harassed, cameras will stalk them, microphones shoved in their faces every time they move. Yes, I understand that they have taken on roles of very high-profile people (if you follow cricket that is… otherwise you may never have heard of them), however this does not make them our property. They are human beings. Fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends. And sadly human beings make mistakes or errors in judgement. None of us in infallible. Before you judge too harshly think about how you would be feeling right now if you were them, or their families or friends.

These fellows are in the position they are in because they are elite sportsmen. How have they got there? An extreme amount of sacrifice by not only them but their families as well. Also a huge amount of talent, strength, tenacity and love for their chosen sport. Most likely the publicity is the last thing they were chasing when they chose this path. Yes, no doubt they wanted to be up there with the best in the world in their sphere. Is that not what any truly talented person aspires to when they sacrifice so much in pursuit of their dreams? The fact that they have now become the latest targets for almost every man and his dog to take pot shots at in the media and on social media would not have been on their radar when they chose to walk along this path. Those who love the game of cricket have sat back and watched in awe as these men have “taken us to glory” on numerous occasions. Let us not forget that! The media are certainly happy to get their headlines from these heroics. Our politicians too like to jump on the band wagon and ride the glory train.

What kind of people are we that we feel we have the right to vilify them? I wonder how many of the so-called journalists could stand up to the harassment that they inflict upon their victims? I wonder too, how many would come out squeaky clean if they and their lives, professional and personal were placed under a microscope and dissected bit by bit, piece by piece? Oh, and don’t forget our illustrious Prime Minister! My stomach turned with disgust when I saw comments by him and other politicians about how cheating is a terrible disgrace. Really??? Politicians getting all het up about lack of honesty and integrity? Spare me the theatrics please. What hypocrisy.

Amazing too, isn’t it how everyone suddenly becomes an expert on topics that before have quite possibly not even crossed their minds. The snippets of television that I have bothered to watch show morning show hosts giving their opinions, evening show hosts giving theirs and no doubt everyone in between as well. I despair for the future when we Australians are going to be so influenced by this culture of everyone is an expert because they have the way and means of being in your face every day… they are ‘famous’ people talking about ‘famous’ people, they must be right… surely??? Give me a break.

I say let these men get on with their lives. Blind Freddy can see that they are mortified by their actions and the ensuing results. Just because they are Australians does not mean their actions are any worse than any other ball tampering incident from any other player from any other country. Look at the penalties other ‘cheats’ have been handed. Let the time fit the crime and allow them to do that time without being harassed and abused. They have been through more than most people could stand already. While I certainly don’t condone their actions I find the behaviours of those involved in their persecution even more abhorrent.

Until next time,

Trish