JOE ROOT says the ball-tampering scandal is a wake-up call for world cricket — but he insists England do not need to change their behaviour.
Captain Root and his team have been monitoring the sensational events that have led to bans for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
Root said: “I think Cricket Australia made a decision which is a statement to world cricket.
“You see the amount of reaction it has received around the world and it shows everyone how the game should be played.
“It is a strong message for everyone not just in Australia but around the world.
“We conduct ourselves pretty well on the field — I’m happy with that.
“You can see throughout this tour that relationships between England and New Zealand have been good. It’s the same with a number of countries we play.
“People want to watch good, hard cricket that is within the guidelines of the game.
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“When you play against New Zealand, you get a sense they’re playing good, hard cricket.
“You know you’re up against a skilful team desperate to win.
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“I’m not saying Australia don’t have that — but there is a different atmosphere.”
The ICC will launch a review, led by chief executive David Richardson, into player behaviour.
Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson has been appointed skipper of IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad now Warner has been banned from the event, which starts next month.
Williamson is a friend of Warner’s and one of the few people publicly supporting him. He explained: “He’s not a bad person.
“There has been a lot of emotion and energy pointed at certain players, which has gone to extreme lengths. It will blow over in time.
“He has made a mistake and the three players will have to take the strong punishment.
“You always learn from tough lessons and I’m sure they’ll do that.”
New Zealand was the team mentioned by Aussie coach Darren Lehmann as setting the example for others.
The Kiwis can play, too — thrashing England by an innings and 49 runs in the First Test in Auckland.
That led to Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes being axed for the Second Test, which was due to start in Christchurch last night.
Williamson added: “It’s important how we play the game. It has been a part of our environment for some time.
“We believe it suits us as people and we want to play as hard as we can but, at the end of the game, you’re still people.”
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