Joe Root admits he was unaware of any ball tampering attempt by Australia during Ashes 2017-18

Root admits he was unaware of any ball tampering attempt by Australia during Ashes 2017-18

Australian team made news when Cameron Bancroft was caught tampering the ball on camera on Day Three of the third Test against South Africa. At the press conference, Steven Smith confessed that it was a deliberate plan and the team’s “leadership group were aware” of it. The events snowballed into a controversy with cricket fraternity questioning Australia’s integrity.

This incident raised questions about ball tampering in the Ashes 2017-18 series which Australia played last. Australia had trashed England  by 4-0. England are currently in New Zealand  playing Test series. They lost the first Test by 49 runs and an innings. In the post match conference Joe Root knocked down questions about ball being doctored during the Ashes series.

“Not to my knowledge. I was not aware of any ball tampering,” Root said. “I have enough to worry about… but it’s disappointing for test cricket and cricket in general.”

He later added saying it is the captain who has to look after his group and even added he would not have backed such behaviour.

“As captain you’re responsible for how everyone else behaves,” he said. “I have to look after my own group and make sure I’m happy with how they conduct themselves.

“As an international player you should know the rules. I should not have to back that up. It’s as simple as that.”