Australia’s Cameron Bancroft admits ‘coward’ act of ball tampering in third Test match against South Africa

Newlands, March 25: After the shocking incident of ball tampering was reported during the third day of the third Test between South Africa and Australia, Australian player Cameron Bancroft on Saturday accepted the charges.

 

Notably, during the play a ball was thrown to Cameron Bancroft, television footage showed Bancroft take an object out of his pocket before rubbing the ball, then putting something back in his pocket. After footage of the incident was broadcast, a message appeared to be sent out to him on the field. He put the tape down the front of his trousers before being spoken to by on-field umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth. However, at that time he turned out his pockets, revealing only a black cloth. The field umpires did not change the ball.

Later, in the press conference, Cameron Bancroft admitted that he tampered with the ball during the third Test against South Africa. Bancroft also confirmed he has been charged with an offence by ICC match officials.

Bancroft said, "We just had discussions with the match officials,”. “I've been charged with attempting to change the condition of the ball. We had a discussion during the lunch break and I saw an opportunity to use some tape, get some granules from the rough patches on the wickets and change the condition, it didn't work, the umpires didn't change the ball,” he added

Bancroft further said, "I was sighted on the screen and that resulted in me shoving it down my trousers. Once I was sighted on the big screens I panicked quite a lot. I want to be here because I'm accountable for my actions. I've got to live with the consequences and the damage to my reputation."

Australian skipper Steve Smith said, "We made a poor choice. We deeply regret our actions. Coaches weren't involved. It was purely the players in the leadership group.” "I can promise you it won't happen again. It's the first time this has happened,” he added.

"We will move on from this and hopefully learn something from it. I'm embarrassed. I feel for Cam. It's not what the Australian cricket team is about. I am incredibly sorry. It's a poor reflection on everyone in that dressing room and particularly the leaders in the group," Australian skipper stated.

South Africa opened up a potentially match-winning lead on day three, closing on 238 for five in their second innings to extend their advantage to 294 runs after which the shocking incident of ball tampering was reported.