Justin Langer has made a strong claim about the Sandpapergate scandal. He believes the punishments given to Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft changed cricket in a big way. Langer was speaking on the *In the Middle with Watto* podcast.
Langer took over as Australia’s coach after Darren Lehmann resigned in the wake of the scandal. He said the three players did not just take the fall for Australian cricket. In his view, they took it for cricketers around the world. He said the ball has not reverse swung anywhere since that day. He pointed to the current Australia vs South Africa series. He said the ball did not reverse swing in the first two Tests for either team.
Reverse swing is the art of making the ball move late and sharply in the air. Teams have used different methods over the years to create it. Some of those methods were legal, and some pushed the rules. In 2018, Mitchell Starc used reverse swing to destroy South Africa’s top order in Durban. Australia wanted the same effect in Cape Town. That is when Bancroft was caught with sandpaper on the field. He was using it to rough up one side of the ball.
Langer also recalled a comment from Andrew Flintoff after the scandal. Flintoff was part of the England team that won the 2005 Ashes. That team used mint-flavoured saliva to shine the ball and get a swing. After Sandpapergate, Flintoff warned other nations not to throw stones. Langer said that comment was spot on. He said the ball has not reverse swung since. He added, “Go figure.”
Langer was also angry about how Smith and Warner were treated when they returned for the 2019 World Cup in England. He said the way they were treated was disgusting. He called it some of the worst adult behaviour he has ever seen. He said it made him sick. He also criticised a documentary made by South Africa after the scandal. He said he felt like vomiting while watching it.
Langer said he feels very sorry for Cameron Bancroft. Bancroft got a nine-month suspension. Unlike Smith and Warner, he never came back to the international stage. He played just two more Tests, during the 2019 Ashes. Langer called it a horrible time in Australian cricket. He said the players were penalised harshly, not just by missing matches but by how they were treated. He said it will remain a stain and a scar.
Langer also noted that reverse swing has largely been replaced by the wobble seam. Bowlers now hold the seam at an angle instead of upright. This creates uneven movement. Scott Boland has used this technique very well in his late Test career. Langer also said pitches around the world have become more helpful to fast bowlers. That has reduced the need for reverse swing as a wicket-taking method.
Langer and Gilchrist Expect New Zealand to Challenge Australia
Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist believe New Zealand can give Australia a tough fight this summer. Both are former Australian players. They spoke before the four-Test series between Australia and New Zealand. The first Test starts on December 9 at Optus Stadium in Perth.
New Zealand have a poor record in Australia. Since drawing a series in 2001, they have won only one of their 12 Tests played in Australia. But they are currently ranked No. 3 in the ICC Test rankings. That puts them above England and India, who have both toured Australia recently.
Langer praised New Zealand, saying he hopes they compete harder than England did last year. He noted that New Zealand have a very good fast bowling attack. He said they fight hard and are always in World Cup finals. He also said they have some of the best young talent around.
Langer feels New Zealand know what a series win in Australia would mean. He said if they beat Australia at home, they would be seen as one of the great teams. He called them underdogs in one sense but said they always carry themselves like giants.
Gilchrist said the series may not be as big as the Ashes or the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. But he is still excited to watch it. He pointed out that New Zealand have done something this Australian team has not managed. They have won in India and won a series in England. Gilchrist said New Zealand have not had many chances in Australia, so they will be ready for the challenge.
FAQs
Q. What does Justin Langer believe Sandpapergate changed?
A. Langer believes the scandal changed cricket and contributed to the disappearance of reverse swing.
Q. Which Australian players were punished for Sandpapergate?
A. Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were punished for their roles in the scandal.
Q. What is reverse swing in cricket?
A. Reverse swing is when a cricket ball moves late and sharply through the air.
Q. Why does Justin Langer feel sorry for Cameron Bancroft?
A. Bancroft received a nine-month suspension and never returned to international cricket after the scandal.
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