Mitchell Johnson: Faf du Plessis unfit to lecture on ball tampering
Mitchell Johnson says Faf du Plessis cannot credibly claim every team does ball tampering. Du Plessis was punished twice for tampering with the ball.
The former Australian fast bowler responded to du Plessis's claim that ball tampering is common across all cricket. Du Plessis was fined in 2013 for rubbing the ball against his trouser zipper.
In 2016, he was found guilty for applying saliva while sucking a mint. Du Plessis's violations both showed intent, Johnson noted.
But neither proves every player or country does the same. Johnson said he has no interest in revisiting the Australian sandpaper scandal from 2018.
The incident is more than eight years old. Punishments were served.
However, du Plessis's comments are stoking South African crowds. This is happening ahead of Australia's first Test tour to South Africa since 2018.
Johnson outlined how international cricket involves psychological intensity within boundaries.
- 2013 for rubbing ball against zipper
- Du Plessis fine
- 2018 sandpaper incident
- Australian scandal
- More than 8 years
- Time since scandal
Why it mattersUnderstanding the pre-series mind games matters to readers following the upcoming Test contest. Johnson's response shapes the narrative going into the tour.
AustraliaAustralian cricket fans should know the context and psychological build-up to the Test series in South Africa, where these rivalries define the contest.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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