Cricket Australia (CA) should take into account “extraordinary contrition” shown by Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft over the ball-tampering scandal, the players’ union says.
Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) president Greg Dyer has called on CA to consider recalibrating the bans placed on the Test trio, citing their “disproportionate” lengths of nine and 12 months.
But he says the trio’s apologetic, emotional and sometimes teary media conferences after being sent home for their roles in the attempt to alter the ball in Cape Town should also be considered.
“The contrition shown by these men is extraordinary, absolutely extraordinary,” Dyer told a media conference in Sydney on Tuesday.
“Their distressed faces have sent a message across the world as effective as any sanction could be.
“I think Australia cried with Steve Smith last Thursday. I know I certainly did.
“We ask for this extraordinary contrition to be taken into account by Cricket Australia just as it would be in any fair and proper process.”
In addition to their 12-month playing suspensions, Smith was barred from captaining his country for a further year while Warner won’t again be considered for a leadership position.
Dyer would not shed light on whether the trio would appeal their sanctions with the players considering their options, as CA braces for the saga to continue.
Warner and Smith at least are understood to be weighing appeals and Warner’s lawyers have reportedly requested evidence gathered during CA’s investigation after the scandal surfaced.
The ACA echoed a belief in some cricket circles the bans were too harsh given the International Cricket Council’s maximum punishment for ball tampering is a one-Test ban.
“Of the dozen or so matters of this type, the most severe suspension to date has been a ban for two one-day internationals,” Dyer said.
“The informed conclusion is that, as right as the motivation is, the proposed penalties are disproportionate relative to precedent.
“The ACA asks Cricket Australia in its final deliberation to consider all these factors.
“We ask consideration be given to recalibrating the proposed sanctions, to consider options such as suspending or reducing part of the sanction, to considering allow players to return to domestic cricket earlier as an important part of their rehabilitation.”
Dyer also criticised the decision to let Smith and Bancroft front the media at the end of the day’s play at Newlands after the latter was caught by television cameras stuffing the sandpaper down the front of his trousers.
Bancroft admitted to lying in the press conference by claiming to have used sticky tape on the ball.
“The proper process was to allow the players time to consider the charges placed by umpires or the match referee and seek proper advice,” Dyer said.
“Instead, they were rushed to a press conference minutes after leaving the field to face the world’s media and make rushed statements and admissions.
“This I believe was unfair to the players.”
Dyer expressed support for CA’s decision to launch an independent review into the team’s culture but said it should range further than just the realm of the players.
“Cricket’s cultural challenge is broader than the culture of the change room, broader than the behaviour of players. Organisational culture comes from its leadership, comes from the top,” he said.
“Let’s identify all the causes of the tipping point that occurred in Cape Town.”
DTM
Guest
Whilst I agree with part of your comment, these are T20 games and sledging is rarely effective in this format. It is prevalent in test cricket because of the concentration required by the batsmen and the success that sledgers have in disrupting this concentration. Warner has a long history of sledging and is one of the most disliked cricketers in the world because of it. Maybe Lehman is part of the cause but Warner has often been the perpetrator. This part of the game needs to be cleaned up and Lehman and Warner's absence will help in that area.
JoM
Guest
I'm happy for Warner to come back in under a new coach. A couple of seasons ago Warner captained his IPL team to the title. From all accounts he was fantastic with the young Indian players that were in the team/squad and it was one of the most liked teams, no issues with Warner. Coach - Tom Moody. Then he captained the Australian T20 team to a series win against England and NZ, again no issues with Warner. Coach - Ricky Ponting. Missing link? Darren Lehmann.
Brasstax
Guest
Dont worry. I bet Smith will be back in 6 months for the Indian series to avoid another humiliating 4-0 home loss. If there were ever any doubts about the lack of quality in batting in the absence of Smith and Warner, thats been laid to rest following 3 consecutive just about 100 plus team scores. CA will soon realize that they could ill afford such overzealous actions as the batting cupboard is bare. With sponsorship deal in limbo, the last thing CA want is another loss at home later this year and i.am.sure the sponsor will make that amply clear. Watch out for a CA announcrment "considering contrition" and revising bans to Smith and Bancroft to 6 months. Jury is still out on Warner.
Campbell Watts
Guest
“The contrition shown by these men is extraordinary, absolutely extraordinary,” Dyer told a media conference - they are gutted and embarrassed they actually got caught! “Their distressed faces have sent a message across the world as effective as any sanction could be" - they only now realise how much money this will cost them and are very regretful! Oh please! Unionist rhetoric at it's usual obfuscating best! If Warner, in particular, appeals his ban (because he has carefully not yet admitted full culpability to "cheating" like Smith and Bancroft did in their original press conference) it just goes to show he really doesn't appreciate the seriousness of the situation, along with the Australian publics outrage at the shame and embarrassment his boorish behaviour has heaped on Australian cricket - and Australian sports in general! Any appeal will only cheapen their contrition and put the public more offside - further bringing the game into disrepute. Think very carefully Warner....
paul j
Guest
I didn't cry with him a few fake tears and you think hes remorseful. Crying about the money he's losing thats it. Only sorry that they got caught. A year off isn't that long and if he's really sorry he'll show it by his actions over said 12 months.
Clyde
Guest
Well there was no contrition shown in the first media show. It was all smoke and lies, sorry for trying to cheat, we kinda spoke about it, it was only harmless tape blah blah blah. Give me a break sandpaper is sandpaper. It is not original flavored saliva, you need to buy this stuff is a store.
Riethaa
Guest
The big lie sticky tape for sandpaper
Riethaa
Guest
Would agree if not for lie ,sticky tape for sandpaper
Markismo
Guest
Predictable of the ACA as player's union to pitch for leniency of its members. Looks like the 3 are going to challenge their sentences, which is an error of judgement in the full scheme of things. These guys have been caught red-handed Conspiring To Cheat (not random ball tampering as its being sold) bringing not only the game but the reputation of international Australian cricket into unprecedented disrepute. In doing so have rightly incurred the wrath of the Australian cricket community .. also fed-up with Aussie cricketers crossing behaviour and sportsmanship boundaries over many seasons. Seeking to have sentences diminished or suspended will be interpreted as an attempt to shirk responsibility. Sure there were tears at the press conferences ... we all shared the pain. Ultimately though 12 months suspension is appropriate and not the end of the world. They did the crime now do the time. This needs to happen for the Australian cricket public to be in a position to fully accept, forgive and embrace Warner, Bancroft and Smith back into the fold. Its in all of their interest for this to happen. They have the talent and skill to get back to the top... best they do so with a sense that justice is served thus ensuring the full support of the Australian cricket community behind them.
Dave.SA
Guest
I agree with some of what Dyer said... The bans are too harsh. The camera humiliation is too great I reject the excuse that they did it because the Saffers were mean to Candy... If they are going to call it a tipping point... then how sure are we that it hasn't happened before.. I would recommend compassion... esp. for Sandcraft .. and some for Smith. If Warner's suspension gets cut... so be it.
Dyer's reasoning is eactly what mine is, maybe he doesn't understand either?
Linphoma
Guest
The ritual humiliation in front of the cameras for all three was almost too much to bear. My eldest son is a year younger than Smith and as I posted elsewhere it must have been excruciating for Peter Smith. Ditto for Candice Warner - a bit suss about Roxy Jacenko coaching though. Poor Bancroft had no one we could see. I remember having my old man hauled into the Principal's office to explain why I should not be suspended, expelled or some other such punishment and watching him eat lots of humble pie. He took it and I felt so low. And I never did anything like that again.
DTM
Guest
I am pleased to see the ACA come out and support these players. I also think this is the right way to do this (rather than a legal appeal). Whilst I agreed with the bans initially, I feel some recalibration would be reasonable. My suggestion is that Bancroft's suspension reduced to either 4 or 6 months. Also for Smith's suspension reduced to 9 months with a further 6 months before he would be considered for a leadership role. As for Mr Warner, I would prefer he didn't play for Australia again and feel the ban should remain as was originally set. No matter what happens with the suspensions, these players will live with this for the rest of their lives and that, in itself, is a significant penalty.