Ball-Tampering Saga: Steve Smith To Not Challenge 12-Month Ban. Is This The Right Move?

It is still to be seen if David Warner and Cameron Bancroft take the Smith route or challenge the ban

By: Ankit Banerjee |
April 4, 2018 12:19 pm

Steve Smith has accepted the 12-month ban imposed by Cricket Australia for being party to ball-tampering during the 3rd Test against South Africa. In a tweet on Wednesday, the former Australian captain has said he will not challenge the ban and that he has accepted the sanctions on him by the Cricket Australia.

The protagonist of ball-tampering incident was Cameron Bancroft, who was caught tampering with the ball by television cameras. Even though Bancroft in his press conference had accepted the crime, he had also mentioned that the ‘leadership management’ was aware of the entire episode.

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Here is the tweet in which Smith confirmed he will not challenge the ban. The tweet read, “I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.:

I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018

But why is Steve Smith not challenging the ban, these could be the possible reasons.

He knows how he has let down the trust of the Australian fans, not once, but on many occasions. Hence it is better he completes his ban and starts with a clean slate.
Cameron Bancroft was at the centre of the muck, but not without his know-how. It could be he feels guilty about it.
From the press conferences post the episode, Smith looked tearful and apologetic. It seems he knew the magnitude of the act and was ashamed of it. Hence, consciously, he decided not to challenge the ban.

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JUST IN: Steve Smith has announced his decision on whether he will appeal his ban https://t.co/LNQhdYWJJt #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/B5SjntOx3Y

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) April 4, 2018

It is still to be seen if David Warner and Cameron Bancroft take the Smith route or challenge the ban.