Trio can only play grade

THE suspensions of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft are from all forms of cricket apart from grade competition in Australia.

The decision leaves Smith and Warner’s lucrative ($2.4 million apiece) Indian Premier League contracts in tatters.

Just hours before Cricket Australia’s announcement, it was revealed Warner had quit as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad in India.

A shattered Smith was the first of the trio to leave the team hotel last night in South Africa. He will front the Australian media upon his return today.

It is unclear whether players will appeal.

Smith and Bancroft had an emotional embrace in the lobby of the team hotel before the fallen skipper left for the airport, as they are left to contemplate their futures. the