What We Know Post Cricket Australia’s Press Conference on Tuesday

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.

Earlier today I received an update about the investigation being conducted by our head of integrity Iain Roy and in conducting his interviews he was accompanied by two ICC integrity officers. While that investigation is not complete, preliminary findings have been considered and discussed by the CA board earlier today. The key finding is that prior knowledge of the ball tampering incident was limited to three players: Captain Steve Smith, Vice captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. 

James Sutherland, CEO- Cricket Australia

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.

No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position. He will continue to coach the Australian men’s team under his current contract.

James Sutherland, CEO- Cricket Australia

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).

Once the investigation has concluded in the next 24 hours, sanctions will be announced and will go through the Cricket Australia code of conduct process.

James Sutherland, CEO- Cricket Australia

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.

All three players who have been reported will leave South Africa tomorrow and their replacements will be Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns. Tim Paine has been officially appointed captain of the Australian men’s Test team.

James Sutherland, CEO- Cricket Australia

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.

Back to the reporting and in regards to the three players on report, I want to stress that we are contemplating significant sanctions in each case. These sanctions will reflect the gravity with which we view what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket. The players involved have officially been reported for breaching Cricket Australia’s code of conduct under article 2.3.5.

James Sutherland, CEO- Cricket Australia

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?