Cricket Australia asks Smith, Warner and Bancroft to return Australia

Cricket Australia has asked the masterminds of ball-tampering row Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft to leave South Africa and fly back to Australia.

Speaking to the reporters, CA CEO James Sutherland told in a press conference that the board would be deciding on significant sanctions in the next 24 hours and called it as a matter of ’emergency’ saying that the board would complete its investigation by Wednesday morning and announce the quantum of punishment for the trio.

This is a saddening news for Australia team as they will head now head to the final Test without their best batsman on Friday.

Tim Paine, who took reins of captaincy in his hands after Smith and Warner stepped down, would be leading Australia in the fourth Test.

Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns replace the embattled players for the final Test.

Making further revelations, Sutherlands asserted that Darren Lehman will continue as their head coach.

ICC (International Cricket Council) has already announced its punishment, but Cricket Australia is yet to pronounce its verdict.

Sutherland said that according to their investigations, only Smith, Warner and Bancroft were found guilty and now they would be sanctioned accordingly.

Also Read: Top 6 developments of the ball-tampering row

He added that the players can challenge the verdict if they find the charges of conduct contrary to the laws and spirit of the game, hearings will be held with an independent commissioner wherein they would be entitled to legal representation.

“I think it is a big issue keeping in view the standing of cricket in the eyes of cricket in the eyes of the Australian fans and Australian cricket team,” Sutherland said.

“It shows how important at the game of cricket is to the Australian cricket fans, and we understand that it is our responsibility to rebuild the confidence and trust of the people in the Australian cricket team going forward,” he added.