Tim Paine to lead Australia as Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft sent back home
Cricket Australia has decided to recall Steven Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft back home for their involvement in the ball tampering saga in the Newlands Test. While Tim Paine will lead the side for the fourth Test, Darren Lehmann has been asked to remain as the coach of the side.
The entire ball-tampering saga aka Sandpapergate has created a huge storm in Australian cricket and everyone was waiting for CA chief executive James Sutherland to come up with the investigation report and the verdict on the matter. When Sutherland attended a press conference yesterday, everyone anticipated him to disclose the details, but he just confirmed that captain Smith, vice-captain Warner, and batsman Bancroft would fly home to Australia on Wednesday.
Earlier, during the Test, Bancroft had been caught on camera using a sticky yellow tape to rub granules from the pitch onto the rough side of the ball so as to increase the effect of reverse swing. The top-order batsman has already been charged by the ICC and was also given demerit points to his name, and Smith was set to miss the match as the ICC handed him a one-match ban after admitting that he and the leadership group planned the move.
Now, the three regular batsmen will be replaced by Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, and Joe Burns. Tim Paine, who led the team for a day in Newlands Test, now will captain Australia in the do-or-die encounter. While Sutherland didn’t disclose CA's investigation report, he stated that the punishment would be "significant" which will be confirmed within 24 hours.
"No other players or support staff had prior knowledge, including Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position. He will continue to coach the Australia team under his current contract," said Sutherland as reported by Cricbuzz.
"This is not in the laws of the game. This is not in the spirit of the game. I am angry and disappointed. It is not a good day for Australian cricket."
"In regard 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 of what we think has occurred, and the damage it has done to Australian cricket. I fully understand the appetite for urgency for more, but urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved."
After Smith’s involvement in the ball tampering saga, his IPL side Rajasthan Royals replaced him with Ajinkya Rahane as the skipper for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. However, his and Warner’s participation is in doubt as the IPL governing council is waiting for CA’s decision on the same. But, Sutherland clarified that the possible suspension by the CA would not create any problem.
"There are certain grounds with regards to NOCs. I'm not sure this qualifies, but if there are significant suspensions that flow from this then that ultimately will be a matter for the BCCI and IPL," he said.