5 important lessons to learn from Australia’s Sandpaper Gate

#Lesson 5: Evolve when Life Teaches you Some Hard Lessons

While imposing the ban, Cricket Australia had clearly mentioned that all 3 players can challenge the sanctions imposed on them within a period of 15 days. When the time came, none of the players challenged these sanctions. Moreover, Steve Smith in particular made a very strong statement saying that these sanctions have been imposed by Cricket Australia to send a strong message and he would do anything to put this episode completely behind him. A wave of sympathy grew around these players after their honest confessions before the media. The ban also demands some form of community service to be undertaken by these players which can rebuild their reputation and also cleanse their public image. Bancroft, if likely to make a comeback to the national side will be the first one to complete his ban by December 2018. Warner somehow feels that his career as an international Australian cricketer is almost over. Smith is still hoping to make a comeback.

While the ban prevents these players from playing domestic cricket, it will be interesting to see the merit of their selection if they ever happen to make a comeback. It’s important for these players to keep practising and remain at the peak of their game. With Cricket Australia’s stringent selection parameters, the only thing that can warrant their selection to the side will be their FORM.

Cricket lovers around the world want to see these players and also believe this is not the end of the road for the 2 dashing Australians - Warner & Smith. After showing ample amount of humility towards Cricket Australia and people around the globe, Warner, Smith and even Bancroft for that matter have showed healthy signs of being evolved human beings. It’s very important for the trio to stay spirited and raise their game to the next level.

When selectors sit down to reinstate them into the team, their performances should speak larger than words. The sweet sound of their cricketing shots should serve a testimony of their true caliber and not a shallow incident of ball tampering which is better forgotten in some lost pages of history.