Call comes to reduce bans
Cricketers’ association condemns trio’s sanctions as too harsh
CRICKET: Cricket Australia should take into account “extraordinary contrition” shown by Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft over the ball-tampering scandal, the players’ union says.
Australian Cricketers’ Association president Greg Dyer has called on CA to consider recalibrating the bans placed on the Test trio, citing their “disproportionate” lengths of nine and 12 months.
He said the apologetic, emotional and sometimes teary media conferences the trio gave after being sent home from South Africa for their roles in attempting to alter the condition of the ball with sandpaper during the third Test in Cape Town should also be considered.
“The contrition shown by these men is extraordinary, absolutely extraordinary,” Dyer said yesterday.
“The distressed faces have sent a message across the world as effective as any sanction could be. I think Australia cried with Steve Smith last Thursday. I know I certainly did.
“We ask for this extraordinary contrition to be taken into account by Cricket Australia just as it would be in any fair and proper process.”
In addition to their 12-month playing suspensions, Smith has been barred from captaining his country for a further year while Warner won’t again be considered for a leadership position.
Dyer was unsure if the trio would appeal their sanctions. The players are considering their options, as CA braces for the saga to continue.
CA has confirmed appeal hearings over the level-three sanctions issued to Smith, Warner and Bancroft will take place, if required, next Wednesday.
There remains a possibility the trio will accept their bans but Warner and Smith at least are understood to be weighing appeals and Warner’s lawyers have reportedly requested evidence gathered during CA’s investigation.
The ACA echoed a belief in some cricket circles that the bans were too harsh given the International Cricket Council’s maximum punishment for ball tampering is a one-Test ban.
“Of the dozen or so matters of this type, the most severe suspension to date has been a ban for two one-day internationals,” Dyer said.