Australian batting great Greg Chappell on Tuesday called for the lifetime captaincy ban on David Warner to be lifted, saying the star batter has the capability to successfully lead a side. Warner was handed a lifelong captaincy ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
“He obviously had a central role in what happened (in 2018) but he was not the only one that was involved and I don’t know why he should be treated any differently,” Chappell told Fox Sports News.
“He’s served his punishment, he is a good leader in the side and no doubt if he had had the opportunity, I’m sure he would have captained the side quite well. “I think he’s paid his penalty and it’s time to open it up for leadership roles,” he added.
According to Cricket Australia’s investigation held in the aftermath of the incident, while Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft knew what they were getting into, it was Warner who had developed the “plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball”. Former skipper Ian Chappell had also questioned why Smith is eligible to captain Australia again when Warner is not.
Last month, Test skipper Pat Cummins had called for Warner’s life ban to end. The pacer said he “fundamentally” disagrees with banning someone for life. However, Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley last week said that although Warner was an “outstanding” leader in the side, there were no plans to rescind the ban.
Ferguson takes 4
New Zealand earned a fourth straight win against Ireland to begin their Twenty20 series 1-0 at Stormont.
Fresh from a 3-0 series win in the ODIs at Malahide, New Zealand won by 31 runs after posting 173 for 8 in their allotted overs. Ireland were bundled out for 142. The Irish chase failed to get a headstart and wickets fell regularly. Curtis Campher top scored with 29.
Lockie Ferguson spearheaded New Zealand’s attack with four for 14. Jimmy Neesham and captain Mitchell Santner took two wickets each. Brief scores: NZ 173/8 in 20 overs. Ireland 142 in 18.2. NZ won by 31 runs. (PTI)
