TEST CHEATS SENT HOME
the trio’s punishments dished out today would be “significant” and they can all expect lengthy bans from international competition.
“The key finding of our investigation is that prior knowledge (of the balltampering) was limited to three players,” he said in Johannesburg.
“We are contemplating significant sanctions. These will reflect the gravity of the offences and the damage done to Australian cricket.
“No other players or support staff had prior knowledge. That includes Darren Lehmann, who, contrary to reports, has not offered his resignation. He will continue to coach under his current contract.”
Lehmann is contracted until the end of the Ashes of 2019.
But whether Smith, Warner or Bancroft – the junior member of the team filmed under instruction to change the condition of the ball on Saturday – will be coming to England for that series looks doubtful.
Fans
Sutherland said: “It is not in the spirit of the game. It is not a good day for Australian cricket.
“I share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans and the broader Australian community about events that unfolded.
“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all kids who love cricket and idolise the players.”
Smith has been stripped of the captaincy and looks set to lose a significant portion of his international career, while Warner, who is 31, could be finished with the Aussie set-up.
Tim Paine, who took over from Smith as skipper mid-match in Cape Town as the furore began to unfold, has been appointed as captain of the Test team. Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been flown in as replacements.
After images showed Bancroft taking yellow tape out of his trouser pocket before rubbing the ball, England paceman Stuart Broad hinted his team-mates had their suspicions something was going on during the winter series.
The ICC will NOT look into claims that Australia tampered with the ball during their 4-0 Ashes win. The world governing body claim the time limit for reporting any such offence has passed.
But asked whether he believed the ball-tampering to be an isolated incident, Sutherland said: “The feeling from Iain (Roy, Cricket Australia’s head of integrity) in his review is that it’s an isolated incident, but again there are things that I don’t want to go into too much detail around right now.
“I certainly hope it’s an isolated incident, but it’s certainly one of significant concern.”
There is little goodwill for the deposed Australia captain or his team and England coach Trevor Bayliss says the vitriolic reaction is payback for years of on-field bullying.
He said: “I think a lot of what they’re copping at the moment comes from the way they have played their game.
“It’s almost like teams and people around the world have been waiting for them to stuff up so they can lay the boot in.
“I’m disappointed and, as an Australian, I’m embarrassed.”