After reviewing the submission lodged by the Australian Cricketers’ Association on behalf of the banned trio of Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, Cricket Australia confirmed that there will be no amendment in the bans of the players.
Describing the same, CA interim chairman Earl Eddings said the board had “determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players”, insisting that the suspensions were appropriate as it had caused a considerable impact on the reputation of Australian cricket.
He further added, “The Cricket Australia Board has carefully considered all elements of the ACA submission and has determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players. Despite the absence of any recommendation regarding the sanctions in the recently released Ethics Centre Review, the Board has deliberated on the ACA’s submission at length. We have reconsidered the sanctions as they apply to each of Steve, David a, d Cameron in light of the ACA’s submission and the Ethics Centre Review and Recommendations.”
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Smith and Warner were banned from state and international cricket for a year after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months. While Smith and Warner’s bans will end on 29 March 2019, which will force them to sit out of the home series against India and BBL 2019, Bancroft can make a comeback after December 29.
Talking about the same further, Eddings said, “The original decision of the Board to sanction the players was determined after rigorous discussion and consideration. 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. Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return are as smooth as possible.”
Smith and Warner are two of the best batsmen in world cricket and the debate over their bans was played out against the backdrop of Australia’s continued struggles across formats. 2018 has been the lowest point in Australia’s ODI cricket history. They have lost 11 out of the 13 ODIs they have played this year – their worst-ever slump in ODIs.
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Australia will be defending their 50-overs World Cup title as the tournament will be starting in England at the end of May followed by the defense of the Ashes following in August and September, there was clearly a desire among some Down Under to get the duo back as soon as possible. Edding, however, clarified that no further submissions for a review of the punishments would be entertained by the CA board.
CA interim chairman said, “We believe the ongoing conversation about reducing the sanctions puts undue pressure on the three players – all of whom accepted the sanctions earlier this year – and the Australian men’s cricket team. As such, the Cricket Australia Board doesn’t intend to consider further calls for amendments to the sanctions.”
