CRICKET AUSTRALIA HAS handed down 12 month bans to both Steven Smith and David Warner — formerly captain and vice captain of Australia — for their roles in tampering with the ball during their recent Test with South Africa.
Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on camera using tape to alter the condition on the ball, has reportedly been banned for nine months.
Cricket Australia confirmed the sanctions following an investigation into the incident by their ‘Head of Integrity’ Iain Roy.
Yesterday, Cricket Australia confirmed they trio were the only members of the touring party to have knowledge of the plan to tamper with the ball, which means that Darren Lehmann, the country’s coach, will avoid sanctions.
Bancroft was captured on camera using yellow tape in an attempt to alter the condition of the ball before hiding the tape in his trousers.
When the incident was shown on the big screen during the Test, Bancroft was questioned by the two on-field umpires, Richard Illingworth and Nigel Llong.
The pair inspected the ball at the time and determined it did not need to be changed, instead awarding a five-run penalty.
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I’m living in Sydney & we’re sick of listening about this… it’s cricket, no one cares
@Anthony Connery: I thought cricket was popular in Australia?
@Anthony Connery: I’m not sick of it
@Jason Brosnahan: it is, this story has dominated tv & radio over here since it happened. That’s why I’m sick of it!!
@Anthony Connery: So, a story which has “dominated tv and radio” is a story “no one cares about”? Right. That makes sense.
@Anthony Connery: It’s clearly a huge story for Aussies.