Smith, Bancroft accept ball tampering bans

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Steve Smith Cameron Bancroft decide not to challenge bans imposed Cricket Australia ball tampering Australia South Africa cricket

Steve Smith: “I won’t be challenging the sanctions”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and opener Cameron Bancroft have opted not to challenge their bans, which they received for their involvement in a ball tampering scandal.

Smith, Bancorft and David Warner were all indicted in the incident, which occurred on the third day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. As a result, Smith and Warner were banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia while Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

In addition to this, Smith will not be permitted to captain Australia for two years, while Warner won’t be considered for leadership roles ever again.

“I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country,” Smith said on Twitter on Wednesday afternoon. “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.”

Shortly after, Bancroft also took to Twitter to confirm that he had accepted the ban imposed on him by Cricket Australia.

“Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down,” he said. “I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support.”

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