A lot to ponder for Australia Board and players after Sandpaper Gate incident

The series between South Africa and Australia was already in the mix of things for all not very good reasons before the Sandpaper Gate incident that has hit the cricketing world by storm, erupted into the scene. This was brutally criticized by many across the globe as the Aussies tend to use the unfair means in a game that is played in whites. The questions have been raised over the captaincy of Steven Smith as he claims the involvement of ‘leadership group’ in the ball-tampering issue.

While many feels, before ICC announces official punishment, the Cricket Australia (CA) must take a definite stand against the players behind their cruel act which is as close to ‘cheating’. Harsha Bhogle, the voice of Indian cricket refers this as to a situation with much to ponder for the Australian cricket. Raising his concern for the future prospects for Aussies amidst the much-talked Sandpaper Gate incident, Bhogle alluded something interesting that lies ahead for the men with the Baggy green.

Who if not Smith?

Knowing the fact that the Australian team is highly dependent on their skipper who has been in sublime form before the South Africa series, the problem of concern will tend to haunt the Australians given some serious charges against their skipper are in the reckoning as a consequence of that embarrassing incident. In regards it, Harsha Bhogle took to Twitter to mention about, ‘who..if not Smith?’. The voice that has covered Indian cricket for quite a long time seems to be aware of the chink in the armor for the Aussies, after the much likely departure of Steven Smith.

Here is something interesting. If Smith has to be replaced……Warner can't be made captain and in batting order, Bancroft can't, Khawaja can't, Marsh and Marsh can't, the bowlers are constantly fighting fitness worries…..Paine? Looking grim!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 24, 2018

Bhogle seemed confused as to who can fill the void if the captain is likely to be replaced. He alludes the fragile batting order that doesn’t boast of any experience with the likes of  Bancroft, Khawaja, Marsh Brothers and the only reliable David Warner. The only pillar of strength after their captain is the trio of pace bowlers who have been fighting their way through injuries to remain available for the matches to play. With not much going the Aussies’ way, the chances of a fightback from the visitors look even grimmer given they are themselves to blame for letting them enter into this deep trouble.