Live TV erroneously reveals South Africa's secret plans
What's the story?
South Africa TV broadcaster SuperSport exceeded all limits to disclose the national side's tactics and plans for each Sri Lankan batsman. The hawk-eyed telecasters took no time to analyze what was instructed to the South African bowlers when they would come out to bowl against Sri Lanka in the first of two Tests.
In case you didn't know...
SuperSport have been the nation's official cricket broadcasters for over three decades. Apart from their consistency and quality, they are renowned for their sharp vision and tendency to capture the best images and incidents to the best extent.
They also played a huge part in the infamous Cape Town ball-tampering scandal revolving around Cameron Bancroft, who appeared to have rubbed sandpaper on the ball in order to maintain its shiny side.
The heart of the matter
And now, SuperSport are making headlines again. A few smart viewers clicked what was shown by them on screen, which ultimately turned out to be a couple of instructions to the SA bowlers for every batter in the opposite camp.
The snapshot read:
"Below is a plan to remove SL opener Dimuth Karunaratne.
Plan A – in-swingers off stump, good length, shaping / angling in from around the wicket,” the plans read. Plan B – 4th stump slightly fuller length, angling away, drives away from the body after a bouncer.”
This might not have gone down too well with the home side for obvious reasons. Couple that with recent reported rifts between the cricket officials and SuperSport, and the climax might not turn out to be a fitting one.
What's next?
The plans seem to have bore fruit, as after being bowled out for 235, Faf du Plessis and co. sent the Sri Lankan batters packing for just 191. The hosts now lead by 170 runs at the end of day 2, with a score of 126-4.