David Warner decides not to appeal against Cricket Australia sanctions

The entire world saw the drama unfold in front of their eyes in the third Test of Australia’s tour of South Africa when Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera trying to hide the sandpaper used to tamper with the match ball. What followed was a direct response from international and domestic cricket bodies as the trio of skipper Steven Smith, vice-captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were all found guilty of ‘ball-tampering. Cricket Australia handed out 12-month bans to Smith and Warner while Bancroft was reprimanded for a period of 9 months.

Today was considered to be the last day wherein the trio could appeal against the bans imposed on them by the CA as per its rules and regulations. However, after skipper Steven Smith took to Twitter yesterday to reveal that he would not be appealing against the CA’s decision, left-handed batsman Warner announced today that he too would not contest the bans imposed on him.

In a post on Twitter, Warner said, "I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me.  I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model."

Of the three individuals involved in the ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal, Warner was said to be the mastermind behind the whole plan and hence was handed a more severe judgment by the CA as compared to Smith and Bancroft as the opener can never lead the Australian side in the future.

However, many expected Warner to be the most likely person to appeal against the bans imposed on him but to most people’s surprise, he chose to do the contrary. Warner will continue to serve the one-year ban handed out to him.