Former Australian captain Steven Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft have been banned by Cricket Australia for the ball tampering incident that took place during the third day of the third test against South Africa at Cape Town. Both Smith and Warner have been banned by CA for a period of 12 months, while Bancroft received a ban for 9 months. Smith and Bancroft can no longer be involved in any leadership roles for the next two years while Warner can never have any sort of leadership role while playing for Australia.
Smith and Bancroft after reaching Australia addressed the press in a press conference at Sydney and Perth respectively, while Warner who was yet to reach Australia, took on twitter to share his feelings about the whole sandpaper saga.
Here is what Steven Smith had to say about the incident:
“It was a failure of my leadership,” said the 28-year-old at a news conference in Sydney.
Smith added: “I am deeply sorry, I love the game of cricket, I love kids wanting to play the great game of cricket that I love.
“Any time you think about making a questionable decision, think about affecting your parents.
“To see the way my old man has been, and my mum, it hurts. I just want to say I’m sorry for the pain I have brought to Australia and the fans and the public.”
“To all my team-mates, to fans of cricket all over the world, to all Australians who are disappointed and angry, I am sorry. I want to make clear that as captain of the Australian cricket team I take full responsibility.
“I made a serious error of judgement and I now understand the consequences. It was a failure of my leadership. I will do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it has caused.
“If any good can come of this, I hope I can be a force for change. I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I am absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.
“To my knowledge this has never happened before. This is the first time I’ve seen this happen and I can assure you it will never happen again.”
Cameron Bancroft addressing the media in Perth:
“I want to say that I’m very sorry. I’m very disappointed and I regret my actions. It is something I will regret for the rest of my life.
“I lied. I lied about the sandpaper. I panicked in that situation and I’m very sorry. I feel like I’ve let everyone down in Australia
Bancroft added : “The thing that breaks my heart the most is that I’ve given up my spot in the team for free. People know I worked so hard to get to this point in my career and to have given up that chance for free is devastating.
“It’s going to be a really long road particularly for myself to earn that respect back but for me that’s the most important thing.”
David Warner, who was on his way back to Australia took on Twitter:
“To cricket fans in Australia and all over the world: I am currently on my way to Sydney. Mistakes have been made which have damaged cricket. I apologise for my part and take responsibility for it.
“I understand the distress this has caused the sport and its fans. It’s a stain on the game we all love and I have loved since I was a boy.
“I need to take a deep breath and spend time with my family, friends and trusted advisors. You will hear from me in a few days.”