Cricket Australia takes stern action against Steve Smith, Warner and Bancroft over ball-tampering row; calls them back

Johannesburg, March 28: Taking a stern action against Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft over the ball-tampering row, Cricket Australia has called them back to the country from the tour of South Africa. Notably, on March 24, Australian player Cameron Bancroft and skipper Steve Smith admitted tampering of a ball during the third day of the third Test against South Africa.

 

The action comes following Cricket Australia's preliminary findings of the investigation into the ball-tampering incident at Newlands. Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's CEO, said sanctions are expected to follow against the trio in the next 24 hours but insisted coach Darren Lehmann would continue in his role. Sutherland added that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were the only members of Australia's squad to have prior knowledge of the ball-tampering.

“In view of the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant," said Sutherland adding, "The process must, therefore, be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined.

“In addition to sanctions for individuals, Cricket Australia will initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men’s teams. We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board," he added.

Sutherland also offered his support to the comments made by ICC CEO David Richardson on Sunday that cricket "needs to have a hard look at itself" after recent events. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever, said “We understand and share the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about the events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday.

The fourth Test between South Africa and Australia begins at The Wanderers on 30 March. However, Tim Paine will captain the team in the fourth Test at Johannesburg in Smith's absence, while Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been called up as replacements.

On March 24, Australian player Cameron Bancroft and skipper Steve Smith admitted tampering of a ball during the third day of the third Test against South Africa. 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.

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, Steve Smith stepped down from his position of the captain of the Rajasthan Royals team. David warner also stepped down from his position of the captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad.