Michael Vaughan takes a dig at Australia post series defeat against South Africa

Australia lost the Test series against South Africa.

Warner was the instigator of the ball tampering scam. (AFP)

Australia succumbed to a disastrous series defeat against South Africa in a series which was marred by numerous controversies which dampened the image of Australian cricket. 

Australia lost three back to back Test matches after winning the first Test match in Durban. Former England skipper Michael Vaughan took a dig at the Australian team calling them ‘self-righteous’ and ‘abusive’  after their ill-mannered behavior in the Test series which came to an end with a South African win in Johannesburg. 

Speaking on ABC documentary Caught Out, Vaughan labelled Australia’s behaviour across the past few years as ‘self-righteous’ and ‘abusive’.

“This Australian side now for two or three years, they haven’t behaved in a fashion that you would want to be around,” Vaughan said.

“They have been abusive at times, you know they’ve got away with it.They’re very self-righteous and have been for a while" said Vaughan. 

Steve Smith who held himself responsible for the entire drama was severely criticised by Michael Vaughan. Smith said it was the failure of his leadership in the ball-tampering row which brought Cricket Australia o disrepute. He also insisted that it was first time Australia had looked to illegally alter the state of the ball under his captaincy. 

He believes the same practice was happening during the summer’s Ashes.

“I can’t think that Cam Bancroft was told to go out there with a piece of tape for a reason that they’ve not tried it before,” Vaughan said.

“I’m pretty sure it was going on throughout the Ashes series, but it wasn’t the reason England lost 4-0. England still would have lost that series.

“Australia probably needed their little trick of the trade, maybe in Melbourne, it didn’t work, other than that I don’t think they required it, but I’m pretty sure it’s been going on for quite a while.”

Smith, Warner and Bancroft will now look to challenge Cricket Australia's decision on them after they were convicted for their involvement in the ball tampering scandal. 
 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 03 Apr, 2018

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