Smith, Warner and Bancroft cop HUGE bans for ball tampering
Steve Smith and David Warner have been slapped with 12-month suspensions by Cricket Australia for ball tampering, where it has been confirmed sandpaper was used in an attempt to rough up the ball.
Cameron Bancroft has been given a nine-month suspension for his role in the scandal.
Steve Smith won’t be allowed to return to the captaincy for a minimum of two years, while David Warner will never again be considered for leadership positions.
All three players will be able to play club cricket and will be encouraged to do so to maintain links with the cricket community.
In addition, all three players will be required to undertake 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket.
Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever says “the CA Board understands and shares the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about these events”.
He hopes after the suspension the players will be able to return to “playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers”.
Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland says he’s satisfied with the sanctions.
“The sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events.”
Tim Paine has been appointed as the current full-time captain of the Test team.
Read the full statement from Cricket Australia here.