Stick with the bans – Siddle
Australian test paceman Peter Siddle wants the ball-tampering bans to remain in place, arguing the unprecedented punishments will ultimately help clean up cricket.
The players’ union, wielding Monday’s scathing independent report that suggested Cricket Australia (CA) shoulder some of the responsibility for the sandpaper scandal, has launched a campaign for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft’s suspensions to be lifted immediately.
Several high-profile former cricketers have backed the push but Siddle, who played both tests in the UAE last month, isn’t convinced.
‘‘You always want to see them playing cricket but I think . . . the punishments are there for a reason,’’ Siddle said yesterday.
‘‘They understood the reasons why they got those punishments so I think . . . it comes down to them, obviously, serving them out, copping the penalty.’’
Earlier this year, Siddle took part in the Canadian Twenty20 competition that doubled as the first leg of Smith and Warner’s comeback tour.
‘‘Obviously I’m close mates with them and we’d like to see them out there but, also, hopefully their punishments can be
something moving forward,’’ the Victorian veteran said.
Australian coach Justin Langer detailed on Fox Sports how he was sad, angry and shocked by the Cape Town saga but also highlighted how tampering is ‘‘an international problem’’.
Smith and Warner’s 12-month bans are due to expire on March 28 while Bancroft will be free to play from December 29.
The trio opted against challenging those suspensions earlier this year.
Cricket Australia says its code of conduct dictates there is now no scope to revisit the sanctions.
Australian Cricketers’ Association president Greg Dyer vowed earlier this week that his organisation would be ‘‘relentless’’ in its pursuit of justice.
Spin king Shane Warne and former coach Darren Lehmann headline the notable names to have called for a softening of the bans. But former test opener Simon Katich is in the same camp as Siddle.
‘‘I just don’t think shortening the bans is going to do anyone any good,’’ Katich said earlier this week.
‘‘If the bans get shortened it’s like the review said – it’s a win-atall costs mentality.’’