For Cricket Australia, and for their captain Steven Smith and vice-captain David Warner, this is probably the beginning of the hardest phase of the lives. After Smith and his deputy David Warner were banned from the final Test against South Africa, it is now being speculated that Cricket Australia can punish Smith and Warner with a life ban.
The severity of the situation can also be gauged from the fact that Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed his displeasure and shock, while the Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia – James Sutherland publicly apologized.
Prime Minister’s Statement
Prime Minister Turnbull said, “We are all frustrated with the news coming from South Africa, it is difficult to believe that Australian cricket team is involved in cheating. Our cricketers are our role models and cricket is considered to be a game of gentlemen”.
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He said, “How can our team be involved in cheating like this?” I have spoken to Cricket Australia Chairman and I expressed my frustration and concern about what happened in South Africa. I hope that Cricket Australia will take a concrete step soon. “
Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said, “Fans of Cricket Australia expect cricketers to represent the country in a dignified manner and follow the established standards. “All of us want answers and we will keep you informed about the outcomes of our investigation.
Suspension of Smith and Warner by Cricket Australia
After the ball-tampering controversy, Captain Steve Smith did not captain South Africa in the remaining days of the third Test. Vice-Captain David Warner also had to withdraw as the vice-captain. Tim Paine captained Team Australia for the rest of the third Test which Australia eventually lost to South Africa.
Steve Smith said on Saturday that the team’s leadership group talked about the plan to tamper the ball to generate more swing, a job which was assigned to young batsman Cameron Bancroft. The ICC imposed a 100% penalty and match suspension for Australian captain Steve Smith in the case of ball tampering, which was seen as a light punishment by the critics
The current series being played between Australia and South Africa has consistently been in dispute. In the first match of the series, Australia registered a win by 118 runs. In the second match, hosts South Africa won by six wickets.
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