Smith, Bancroft accept their sanctions
MELBOURNE: Former captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft will not contest the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month’s balltampering scandal in South Africa, the banned duo said yesterday.
Smith and former vicecaptain David Warner were handed 12month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third test in Cape Town.
‘‘I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country,’’ Smith said on his verified Twitter account.
‘‘But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as captain of the team.
‘‘I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.’’
Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment.
‘‘Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down,’’ tweeted the 25yearold.
‘‘I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support.’’
The players have until today to appeal their bans. Warner is still to announce his decision.
Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions for their role in the March 24 incident and are set to lose substantial earnings after sponsors dropped them and they were banned from this year’s Indian Premier League.
Smith and Bancroft were also barred from holding leadership positions within the Australian team for two years, while Warner will never be able to hold such a position again.
The trio returned to Australia last week, where all three gave emotional news conferences in which they accepted full responsibility for their actions.
Despite the backlash to the incident, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has called for a reduction in the bans meted out, describing them as ‘‘disproportionate’’.
‘‘As I stated yesterday, the players have our support whatever they decide,’’ its president, Greg Dyer, said in an ACA tweet yesterday.
‘‘This is a deeply personal decision with unique circumstances and complexities for each person.
‘‘We continue to support the three men at this difficult time.’’
The scandal prompted Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who was cleared of any wrongdoing by the CA, to step down after the final test against South Africa.
A Cricket South Africa has confirmed a twotest tour of Sri Lanka in July along with five oneday internationals that will provide preparation for next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.
The side is fresh from home series wins over Bangladesh, India and Australia this season.
The first test will be played in Galle (July 1216) and the second in Colombo (July 2024), followed by the five ODIs that start on July 29 in Dambulla. There will also be a single T20 International played in Colombo on August 14. — AAP/Reuters