- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Top 10 Controversies Of Australian Cricket Team: Australian cricket Team has been under fire on many occasions for its biggest controversies, sledging culture aimed at unsettling opponents' nerves. While some think it is just part and parcel of the game, many believe it is against sportsmanship. This has led to many hot arguments and criticisms over the years.
The ongoing test match 2024 between India and Australia is making headlines over Virat Kohli and the Australian players. Even the Australian audience booed Virat Kohli from the stadium saying “Virat is a wild dog.”
List Of Top 10 Controversies Of Australian Cricket Team
Here is the list of the top 10 biggest controversies of the Australian cricket team that made headlines from time to time and downgraded the integrity of the team.
1. Underarm Incident (1981)
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Australian cricket team(Image: Instagram)
Trevor Chappell bowled an underarm ball ordered by captain Greg Chappell to stop New Zealand from hitting a six off the last ball of the match. Due to this, they were widely criticised for being unsportsmanlike and this led to a law change prohibiting underarm bowling in limited-overs cricket.
2. Ricky Ponting's and Harbhajan Singh's Dispute (1998)
Ricky Ponting sledged 19-year-old young Harbhajan Singh in a 1998 coca Coca-Cola Cup match when Harbhajan stumped Ponting out and was celebrating it. Ricky Ponting then barged into Harbhan and a verbal tussle occurred that fueled a rivalry between India and Australia.
3. Shane Warne and Mark Waugh Betting Scandal (1994)
In 1998, it was reported that both players accepted money from a bookmaker in exchange for pitch and weather information. They damaged the integrity of Australian cricket, yet both players were fined and not suspended.
4. Smith's 'Brain Fade' at Bengaluru (2017)
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'Brain Fade' incident at Bengaluru(Image: YouTube)
Steve Smith broke cricket rules during a DRS review in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Bangalore stadium as he looked at the dressing room for a hint. It led to accusations of cheating and Virat Kohli publicly condemned Smith's actions.
5. Ban on David Warner Due To Unwanted Drug Testing in 2013
David Warner was banned for a short while after testing positive for a prohibited substance ( a medicinal drug). It raised questions regarding the discipline and professionalism in Australian cricket.
6. David Warner vs Joe Root Incident (2013)
This incident was the lowest point of Warner’s career as he punched England's cricketer Joe Root in a bar after a match in the Champions Trophy. Warner faced a punishment of fines and was suspended from participating in the rest of the tournament.
7. Rubbing Ball with Sandpaper Incident-2018
Under the advice of David Warner and Steve Smith, Cameron Bancroft was caught by camera using sandpaper to detain the ball in a Test match against South Africa. This led to a year-long ban on Warner and Smith. Bancroft was given a nine-month ban, and the reputation at stake suffered a big blow to Australian cricket.
8. Virat Kohli vs. Australian Players: Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2017
The Border Gavaskar trophy 2017 series was marked by fiery exchanges between Kohli and Australian players over sledging and the “brain fade” incident involving Smith term coined for the moment he fell victim to a poor choice on the field. It made the rivalry even more intense between the two teams.
9. David Warner vs. Quinton de Kock Stairwell Spat (2018)
CCTV footage captured an argument between Warner and de Kock regarding personal insults during a Test match in South Africa. After this, Warner was fined and earned a demerit point, spurring increased animosity between the sides.
10. Daryl Harper Umpiring Controversy (2011)
After an Australian Test match against Sri Lanka, Daryl Harper decided to retire early because Australian players criticized him a lot due to some decisions he made during the match. It fueled the aspect of respect for match officials and the role of umpiring in controversial matches.