Cricket Australia (CA) have taken a strict action against skipper Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. According to Herald Sun and Sydney Morning Herald’s reports, they have banned by the CA. Captain Warner and vice captain Warner have been handed 12-month ban each whereas Bancroft will face a 9-month ban. Apart from the ban, Warner and Smith cannot lead Australia for a total of 2 years.
The ban has also dealt a blow to their IPL prospects as Smith and Warner have been disqualified from playing in IPL 2018 as well. IPL’s Commissioner Rajiv Shukla announced the news talking to the media.
The franchises will get replacements for the players as they (David Warner and Steve Smith) will not be allowed to play this year: Rajiv Shukla, IPL Commissioner pic.twitter.com/5CDRxHdSGR
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2018
Apparently, the trio were a part of the leadership group Smith mentioned in the press conference after Day 4 of the third Test at Newlands. This is a big blow for Australia as a ban of two years from leadership means that Smith will not be captaining the side in the 2019 World Cup.
#BallTamperingScandal: #Smith, #DavidWarner handed one-year suspension
Read @ANI story | https://t.co/CLHeUU6kO9 pic.twitter.com/eKuPRzMrin
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 28, 2018
The replacements of the trio have already been called for the fourth Test against South Africa. On the other hand, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine has been named as the interim captain of Australia. Bancroft who was not punished severely by International Cricket Council (ICC) receives a lethal blow early into his international career. Reportedly, the trio can appeal against the ban within seven days.
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Earlier, both Warner and Smith stepped down from their respective IPL franchise’s captaincy. Following the controversy, Rajasthan Royals (RR) had named Ajinkya Rahane as their new captain for the upcoming season. On the other hand, SRH are yet to announce their captain.
However, head coach Darren Lehmann has been cleared of any involvement in the ball-tampering saga by CA’s CEO James Sutherland.
