Aussie cricket says sorry, culprits sent home
Coach spared in ball tampering scandal
Australia’s ball-tampering trio of deposed captain Steven Smith‚ David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will have the book thrown at them for their role in the doctoring of the ball during the third Test at Newlands.
Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland said yesterday the investigation conducted by the organisation wasn’t complete, but said the preliminary findings established that Smith‚ Warner and Bancroft were at the heart of the ball-tampering fracas that took place in Cape Town at the weekend.
The three top-order batsmen have been sent home to face the music while Smith and Warner have been removed from their lofty positions.
Coach Darren Lehmann‚ though‚ has survived the fallout of the controversy.
The investigation will be completed within the next 24 hours and Sutherland said CA will be in a position to make an announcement in regard to sanctions.
“In regards with these three players on report‚ I want to stress that we’re contemplating significant sanctions in each case‚” Sutherland said.
“These sanctions will reflect the gravity in which we view what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket.
“This has damaged the ability of the sport to inspire kids.
“It’s a sorry state and we need everything we can to repair that damage.”