People who have benefited from the ball tampering scandal

Australia's ball tampering under Steve Smith has been one of the biggest news stories in cricket for many years. It has occupied the center of the world's sporting attention and even turned political as the Australian prime minister openly voiced his sadness at what had happened.

Cricket Australia sanctioned one-year bans for Steve Smith and David Warner while Cameron Bancroft was handed a less-severe nine-month ban. Obviously, it has been a tough week for cricket fans all over the world, but some people have actually benefited from the ball tampering scandal and its timing.

This article looks at three people who have gained from it.

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#3 The England Cricket Team

Many people seem to have already moved on from England's disastrous first Test match against New Zealand. With everyone focused on the events unfolding down in South Africa, it is as if fans have already forgotten that England were skittled for just 58 all out in the first innings and that they ultimately lost by an innings and 49 runs to New Zealand. The match was even badly rain-affected, but the Kiwis' dominant first innings bowling display meant that they did not even need all the days.

The media have then not performed a full autopsy on England's shambolic performance since they were distracted by this much bigger news story. Moreover, this Test is England's first since their disastrous Ashes tour. Therefore, England were very lucky that the scandal was revealed when it was, or otherwise they would have been embarrassed in front of the world's press again.

#2 Tim Paine

Tim Paine is the new Australian captain

Wicketkeeper Tim Paine originally made his Test debut back in 2010, but his international career then stalled, due to injury, and he was not part of Australia's larger plans between 2011 and 2017. However, with the retirement of Australia's long-term keeper Brad Haddin, Paine was given more attention and ultimately earned his Test recall for the Ashes series. He impressed throughout that series, making handy contributions with the bat lower down the order, and was very solid in his keeping, taking some fantastic catches.

Fast forward to the present day and Tim Paine has just been appointed the captain of Australia. He has gone from being granted an international recall to the man tasked with rebuilding his national side from the disgrace in which it finds itself. Paine will no doubt be burdened with it initially, but in the long term, this could be a huge moment for him. There is no bigger honor than captaining a national side unless you abuse your power and use it to cheat (ahem Steve Smith).

#1 Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell has been drafted in as Steve Smith's replacement

Glenn Maxwell's international career is constantly fluctuating. One series he is picked, the next he is overlooked. Yet, he has been granted another opportunity to try to cement a place in Australia's Test side. Up till this point, Maxwell has only played seven Tests and has not really excelled - averaging in the mid-twenties. The last Test he played was in September of 2017 as part of Australia's tour of Bangladesh. However, he is now set to replace Steve Smith in the middle order and if he plays well, could show the selectors what they have been missing out on.

With Smith banned for a year, Maxwell could have an uninterrupted stint in Australia's middle order which could be the breakthrough he needs. Smith's loss has been Maxwell's gain here.