Players’ Pact will act as a line in the sand, says Tim Paine

Australia Test captain Tim Paine insists the independent review launched after the ball-tampering scandal and subsequent new Players’ Pact will act as a “line in the sand”.

There was international outcry after Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera using sandpaper to change the condition of the ball during a Test against South Africa in March.

The resulting fallout saw Bancroft, Ashes- winning captain Steve Smith and experienced opener David Warner all axed from the team, while also handed extensive suspensions.

Nearly 470 people were consulted for the review, conducted by not-for-profit organisation The Ethics Centre, the findings of which were released by Australian cricket’s governing body yesterday.

As part of the 42 recommendations from the 145-page document, a share of the blame for the “larger picture” of the ‘win-at-all-costs’ culture was laid with the governing body.

The leadership of Cricket Australia has since changed following the departure of chief executive James Sutherland and head coach Darren Lehmann.

Paine, who succeeded Smith as Test captain, said: “This represents a commitment from Australian players to adhere to a set of overarching standards.

“This is a line in the sand for us as players and we are very much looking forward to focusing on the future of the game.”