Share

Saker: Oz systematic cheating claims 'absurd'

Cape Town - Australia bowling coach David Saker has described claims that the team engage in systematic cheating as both absurd and offensive.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) have chosen not to take action against either skipper and have instead scheduled a meeting between the two captains ahead of the third Test in Ranchi.

"We have just witnessed a magnificent game of Test cricket where players from both teams gave their all and emotions were running high during and after the match," said ICC chief executive, David Richardson.

"We would encourage both teams to focus their energies on the third Test in Ranchi next week (March 16). Ahead of that, the match referee will bring both captains together to remind them of their responsibilities to the game."

Saker claims that the Australian dressing room had no idea that Steve Smith would look up to the dressing room and dismissed the suggestion made by Virat Kohli that this was not the first time the dressing room was involved in a DRS referral.

"It's pretty much absurd I think, when Steven Smith did look up (to the team balcony after being given out lbw) we were more horrified than anyone else because we'd never seen that before," said Saker.

"We haven't got any elaborate sign system and when he did do that it was quite a surprise to us.

"To be fair, if we have got this sign system then we got it wrong quite horribly.

"I don't know what he (Kohli) is thinking when he says that, or if he sees what he sees on the balcony, but I can assure you in all my time in cricket I’ve never seen it happen."

Saker took offense at the implications of what Kohli said in his post-match press conference, even though the India skipper stopped short of using the word cheats.

"It's really offensive," said the Australian bowling coach.

"It's probably the worst thing you can be called is cheats, that's an offensive thing.

"We've never done anything like that and we never will. You should have to back up what you say.

"But we respect him as a player, he's an amazing player and his passion and the way he wanted to get his team up was quite evident out on the ground.

"There are times when you think he might have crossed the line, but a lot of teams have done that, and leaders have done that."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE