Australian players’ ball-tampering bans will not be reduced

LENGTHY bans handed to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft over the ball-tampering scandal will not be reduced, Cricket Australia (CA) have said.

The trio were all sanctioned after Bancroft attempted to alter the condition of the ball with sandpaper against South Africa in Cape Town in March. Then-Australia skipper Smith and vice-captain Warner were handed one-year bans while Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

CA interim chairman Earl Eddings said: “CA maintains that both the length and nature of the sanctions remain an appropriate response in light of the considerable impact on the reputation of Australian cricket, here and abroad.”

Smith and Bancroft gave a press conference after the third day’s play of the third Test against South Africa earlier this year, during which they admitted a pre-meditated attempt to tamper with the ball. The yellow tape Bancroft was captured on camera rubbing against the ball, and then hiding down the front of his trousers, was in fact sandpaper, CA revealed.

Smith spoke of a “leadership group” making the decision to tamper with the ball and, in announcing the severe punishments, CA revealed Warner, 31, was charged with devising the plan, instructing a junior player – Bancroft – to carry it out and even demonstrating how to do it.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association asked for the players’ sanctions to be amended, but the CA board unanimously decided any changes were “not appropriate”.

Mr Eddings said: “Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible.

“We believe the ongoing conversation about reducing the sanctions puts undue pressure on the three players – all of whom accepted the sanctions.”