Australian Cricket and cricketers are, without a doubt, immensely popular in the cricket world. The ferocious Aussies are well known for being the five- times trophy holders in the ICC World Cup. Not just this, Australian Cricket is also famous for producing some marvelous players in the history of Cricket and for breaking various records. However, we must remember that the Aussies are also known for their aggressive attitude, because of which a few of their players have been a part of various hot-headed moments, banters, and controversies. Let’s take a look at some of the most controversial Australian cricketers.
1. Andrew Symonds
First on the list is this famous Australian all-rounder, who was sent back home for skipping the team meeting in August 2008 as he went fishing. Due to this, he was not included in the squad visiting India. Besides, his contract with Cricket Australia soon ended as he was involved in an alcohol-related incident in 2009.
2. David Warner
Next on the list is David Warner, known for his aggressive nature and hot-headed temperament. The first controversial incident occurred when he quarreled with Joe Root during the Champions Trophy 2013. He had to pay a huge price for it, as he was excluded from the Australian squad for the Champions Trophy. However, Warner had to face immense criticism and hatred for the sandpaper ball-tampering incident in 2018 during the Australia tour of South Africa. He was regarded as the mastermind of this plan and had to step back from the vice-captain position.
3. Shane Warne
One of the greatest and best spinners in the world, who is treated with immense respect in the cricket world, has unfortunately been a part of various controversies throughout his cricket career. Popular for his drinking habits and fancy lifestyle, this marvelous leg-spinner had to pay a fine to the Australian Cricket Board in 1995 for accepting money from bookies. Later, in 2013, he faced a suspension from the BBL due to his physical and verbal confrontation with Marlon Samuels. Moreover, the major low point of his career came when he was excluded from the 2003 ICC World Cup because he tested positive for a drug.
4. Mark Waugh
He was criticised for connecting with the bookies and sharing vital information related to the match. Surprisingly, this iconic player admitted to sharing pitch and weather conditions with bookies during the 1994 Australia tour of Sri Lanka.
5. Dennis Lillee
The next person on the list is the famous Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who, in 1979, caught everyone’s attention when he came out to bat at the WACA stadium against England but with an aluminum bat. He stated that no set of rules in cricket mentions that the bat has to be wooden. It resulted in several discussions, but later he got convinced to use a wooden bat. But this will remain one of the most iconic moments in cricket.
6. Steve Smith
On the sixth spot, we have the famous Australian batter, Steve Smith, widely regarded for his brilliant performances in Test matches. But it was only during one of these test matches that he was found guilty of being engaged in the ball-tampering incident during the Australia tour of South Africa in 2018. It led to a massive downfall in his career, as he had to face a one-year ban from international Cricket and had to step back from the post of Captain. It was a huge blot on his reputation.
7. Greg Chappell
The cricket world encountered quite an extraordinary moment when a bowler delivered the ball underarm during the Australia versus New Zealand ODI match in 1981. It took place when the then Australian captain, Greg Chappell, asked his brother, Trevor Chappell, to bowl the ball of his over underarm, as the Kiwis needed six runs from the last ball to tie the game. This incident led to an immediate change in the cricket rulebook because earlier underarm bowling in an international match was not mentioned as illegitimate.
8. Mitchell Starc
This famous left-arm fast bowler once got involved in a heated argument with Kieron Pollard in the IPL 2014 when the latter had moved back from the stance, which irked Starc, and thus he delivered a bouncer. It even led to some verbal arguments.
9. Cameron Bancroft
On the penultimate spot, we have Cameron Bancroft, who was a part of the infamous ball-tampering incident. It was found that he was trying to tamper with the ball by using sandpaper, which he had hidden in his trousers. It occurred during the test match between Australia and South Africa in Durban in 2018. It forced him to face a nine-month ban from international Cricket.
10. Mitchell Johnson
The last person on this list of the most controversial Aussie players is the former bowler Mitchell Johnson, who was charged 50% of his fees after a dispute with former Indian player Yusuf Pathan in the Legenda League Cricket Match in October 2022 in Jodhpur.
