What We Know Post Cricket Australia’s Press Conference on Tuesday
Steve Smith, David Warner could face life bans for breaching Article 2.3.5 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct.
advertisement
Three days after Steve Smith declared that the “leadership group” of the Australian Cricket Team had made the decision to ask Cameron Bancroft to tamper with the ball during the Cape Town Test, Cricket Australia CEO spoke to the media in Johannesburg and left the possibility of a life ban on all three players, squarely on the table.
While the seven-minute statement made by Sutherland did not deliver on all fronts, there are a few things that can be concluded from the interaction.
1. Only Smith, Warner & Bancroft Were Involved
Ever since Steve Smith opened this can of worms by accompanying Cameron Bancroft to the press conference at the end of Day 3 in Cape Town, and admitting that he was involved in the ball-tampering plans, the one big question everyone has had is: who else was part of the “leadership group” that talked Bancroft into the task?
That vice-captain David Warner was involved became clear when he stepped down from his post for the remainder of the game, but James Sutherland finally answered the “who else” question on Tuesday night.
There was no one else, he said.
2. Lehmann Played No Part
There have also been wide media reports, from across the globe, that Darren Lehmann would step down/be asked to step down/be sacked for his involvement in the saga.
After all, Lehmann had been seen on the live broadcast, talking into a walkie-talkie, seemingly instructing 12th man Peter Handscomb to inform Bancroft that he had been caught by the tv cameras tampering the ball.
Even though Steve Smith categorically denied Lehmann was involved, many still believed the coach was involved. Sutherland was forced to address that concern at his press conference as well.
3. Verdict By Wednesday Night
While three days have already passed since Steve Smith made, what he would most likely agree, the worst decision of his life, James Sutherland did not announce any further punishments for players than was the ICC has already sanctioned. Steve Smith was banned for one match and Bancroft was docked 75 percent of his match fee.
The wait has been extended by another day and the sanctions should be announced by Wednesday night (IST).
4. All 3 Players Sent Home
While no long-term verdict has been delivered on the three players, all three have been instructed to return home to Australia immediately.
Their replacements are already on their way to Australia to be available for the fourth Test that will start on 30 March in Johannesburg.
Wicket-keeper Tim Paine was appointed the stand-in keeper for the third Test after Smith stepped down and has been handed the task by the CA for the rest of the series as well.
5. Life Ban a Possiblility
While James Sutherland did not mention the quantum of punishment for any of the players, he did mention that all three were found to have been in breach of Cricket Australia’s code of conduct article 2.3.5.
This means all three players are being charges with a ‘Level 3’ offense.
The penalties for breaching Article 2.3.5 however are very harsh.
The law states that it could lead to, “(a) the imposition of a suspension of between one (1) suspension Point up to a maximum of a lifetime’s suspension; (b) the imposition of a fine of no more than $10,000;
Life ban, though an extreme step, is one available to Sutherland and his investigating team.
But is it what players deserve for ball-tampering?
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)