Steyn weighs in on mintgate

Australia

Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn has offered his opinion on the ball tampering scandal that has divided the cricketing world over this past week.

Steyn feels the allegations are a poor attempt to cover up Australia’s deficiencies and to detract from the achievements of the Proteas in the series.

Steyn suffered an injury during the first Test in Perth and has since undergone surgery on his shoulder but that hasn’t kept him from supporting skipper and friend Faf du Plessis.

Steyn tweeted on November 18th: “Beaten with the bat. Beaten with the ball. Beaten in the field. Mentally stronger. Here’s a idea, Let’s blame it on a lollipop, #soft.”

The Australian players have said little about the incident as they focus on their own crisis with nine of the XI that lost the second Test competing in Sheffield Shield cricket this week.

Steyn would clarify that he doesn’t believe the Baggy Green are behind the allegations.

He tweeted: “Just so we clear, I’m not blaming the aussies, but I won’t let a fantastic series win be tarnished by some lollipop fabrication. 3-0 mission.”

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden was equally incredulous on the social media platform blasting the poor play of the Baggy Green in this series.

Hayden tweeted: “Ball tampering OMG please. What about this ‘Watch the ball’ the rest will look after itself!”

The South African skipper pleaded not guilty and as such will have to wait for the ICC to set a date for the hearing but he will be provided with legal counsel by Cricket South Africa.

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