Smith, Warner and Bancroft sent home over ball-tampering incident

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Smith, Warner and Bancroft sent home over ball-tampering incident
Darren Lehmann (left) and Steve Smith.

Dubai - Coach Lehmann given clean chit by Cricket Australia, to stay back in South Africa

By KT Report

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Published: Wed 28 Mar 2018, 10:27 PM

Last updated: Thu 29 Mar 2018, 9:15 AM

Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have been sent home by Cricket Australia for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal.

James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia CEO, announced at a press conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday that Queensland pair Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns, and Victoria's Glenn Maxwell will replace the banned trio.

"It's about the integrity of Australian sport, and whether Australians can feel proud of their players, and that goes beyond winning or losing," he said.

Backing up the team coach he said: "Darren Lehmann had no prior knowledge. He will continue to coach the team in his current role."

He also announced that Tim Paine will officially take over as the captain.

"Firstly I want to repeat what I said on Sunday. I share the anger and disappointment of fans and the broader community about these events," the angry Cricket Australia chief told a packed media conference.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise for these events, particularly to all the kids that idolise these players. I also want to apologise to South Africa for the events that have overshadowed this series," he added.

"The key finding of our investigations was this: prior knowledge of the ball-tampering was limited to three players: Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft," he revealed.

"Our investigation is ongoing. Once the investigation has concluded, sanctions will be announced for the three players," he underlined the CA resolve.

"All three players will leave South Africa tomorrow and play no further part in this series. Replacement players will arrive in the next 24 hours.."

Asked if the players cheated: "It is not in the spirit of the game. This is not a good day for Australian cricket."

He stressed: "We need to rebuild pride for Australian cricket.

"Winning is important, but not at the expense of the law of the game."

When asked why there was no decision on the players' punishment, he said: "I understand the need for urgency, but urgency should be balanced with the need for the due diligence. We will continue our investigations before making a decision."

In reply to a question if he had met the players, Sutherland said that he had only met Smith. "I haven't seen all of the players but I have seen Steve [Smith], and he was distraught, really upset."

The CA chief, however, refused to directly answer whether his players were guilty of cheating.
"It is not within the laws of the game," was his response during the 20-minute briefing.
sports@khaleejtimes.com


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