Warner accepts ban
David Warner has decided not to fight the 12-month ban handed down to him following the Australian cricket team’s balltampering fiasco.
Warner has tweeted that he has accepted the ban.
‘‘I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me. I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model.’
Both Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft announced they had accepted their fate on Wednesday, opting not to challenge the respective 12 and ninemonth suspensions handed down by CA last week.
Their decisions shifted all focus to Warner, who had not made public comment since he took to social media after Saturday morning’s press conference to confirm he was seeking advice on the matter.
Warner had the most at stake, after he admitted on Saturday he was ‘‘resigned to the fact’’ he may never play for Australia again after being identified as the mastermind of the tampering plans. Smith’s response came earlier than expected and it will do much to maintain the swell of public support he won following his gut-wrenching press conference on arrival back in Sydney last Thursday.
Whether Warner has a surge in support remains to be seen.
He was found by Cricket Australia’s head of integrity Iain Roy to be the architect of the plot to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball during the third test against South Africa and given the heaviest punishment of the trio.
On top of his 12-month ban from domestic and international cricket, Warner was stripped of his position as vice-captain and, unlike Smith, told he would not be considered for any leadership position again.
‘‘I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country,’’ Smith tweeted on Wednesday.
‘‘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.’’
Smith could now head for Engand’s County system where it is understood CA would not stand in his or either of the other players’ way.
He is also likely to turn out for Sutherland in Sydney grade cricket next summer, after the club offered their full support to the 28-year-old last weekend.