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CA: Only Smith, Warner, Bancroft involved

David Warner. (Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
27th March, 2018
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Disgraced Australian cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will soon return home from South Africa as the fallout continues from the ball-tampering bombshell.

Cricket Australia (CA) will finalise sanctions for Smith, Warner and Bancroft within the next 24 hours. The trio have been reported for breaching CA’s code of conduct.

Darren Lehmann will continue as coach and has not offered his resignation, while Tim Paine has been appointed captain for the fourth Test against the Proteas.

CA will conduct an independent review into the team’s conduct and culture.

More on ball-tampering sanctions
» Australia’s on-field leaders have been banished, but this is just the beginning
» Smith, Warner, and Bancroft to be sent home as Lehmann found innocent
» “Australian cricket is in deep s***”: Michael Clarke not satisfied with CA response
» Matt Renshaw must replace Cameron Bancroft permanently

Chief executive James Sutherland insists Smith, Warner and Bancroft were the only members of the touring party who were aware of a premeditated plan to illegally scuff the ball.

“No other players or support staff had prior knowledge. This includes Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position,” Sutherland said.

“He (Lehmann) will continue to coach the Australian men’s team under his current contract (which runs until the end of the 2019 Ashes).”

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Sutherland noted his organisation is contemplating “significant sanctions” for Smith, Warner and Bancroft.

“Once the investigation is concluded, sanctions will be announced,” he said.

“These sanctions will reflect .. the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket.

“I am angry and disappointed. It is not a good day for Australian cricket.”

Matthew Renshaw, Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell are en route to South Africa as replacement players for the fourth Test that starts on Friday.

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