Cricket Australia announce their verdict in the Sandpaper gate

The Cricket Australia has announced the much awaited verdict in the infamous ‘Sandpaper gate’. The last two days have been very tough for Australian cricket with their players imploding with foul tactics. The players were found guilty of ball tampering during the third day’s play of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Soon, after the end of day 3 in the Test, Cameron Bancroft and skipper Steve Smith admitted to the charges of ball tampering.

While Bancroft received 3 demerit points, Steve Smith was handed a one Test ban. Now, the Cricket Australia has come up with their verdict following the investigations. As per the official media release, skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner, and batsman Cameron Bancroft have been asked to leave South Africa immediately. This, in all means, terminates their stay in the ongoing tour.

Furthermore, CA has announced three replacement players for the excluded trio. They are Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell, and Joe Burns. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine has been officially named as the captain of the team for the final Test match of the tour. The investigations are still on. As per the investigation reports found out till now, only these three players, Smith, Warner, and Bancroft, were aware of the incident taking place. However, the sanctions or penalties will be announced within the next 24 hours.

Verdict on Darren Lehmann

Moreover, the Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has confirmed that the coach, Darren Lehmann, has not resigned from his post. Lehmann is set to continue as the head coach of the team. “Darren Lehmann has not resigned and will continue to coach the Aussie men’s team,” James Sutherland quoted.

Official statements

“We understand and share the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about the events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday. This issue goes beyond the technical nature of the offences and various codes of conduct. It is about the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport,” Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever quoted.

“In view of the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant. The process must therefore be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined. I understand the appetite for urgency given the reputation of Australia as a sporting nation has been damaged in the eyes of many. However, urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved,” Sutherland remarked.

Sutherland further confirmed that the investigations are still on. More updates and sanctions on the same will be made soon. He admitted that the loyal fans of the Australian side deserve to be aware of how things are going to go forward from hereon.

“In addition to sanctions for individuals, Cricket Australia will initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men’s teams. We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board,” Sutherland conceded further.

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