The board of Cricket Australia "decided not to reduce the ball-tampering bans" for Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, according to ABC NEWS. Smith and Warner were given 12-month bans, while Bancroft was handed a nine-month suspension under CA's Code of Conduct, for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March. Bancroft's ban is due to expire on Dec. 29, while Smith and Warner will not be eligible to return until March 29. The Australian Cricketers' Association had called for the bans to be lifted, saying that the players had "already been punished enough," in the wake of the release last month of "damning reviews into Australia's cricket culture." CA interim Chair Earl Eddings said, "The Cricket Australia Board has carefully considered all elements of the ACA submission and has determined that it is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions handed down to the three players. ... Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible." CA's decision confirms that Smith and Warner will miss the Australian summer of cricket, which includes the men's team tests against India and Sri Lanka (ABC NEWS, 11/19). In Sydney, Wu & Pierik reported the ball-tampering verdict had the potential to "inflame tensions" between CA and the ACA. However, the union, "though disappointed," is satisfied it was given a fair hearing, even if its wish to present in person to the board was "knocked back." CA was "careful" in its public statement to convey that it had given "due consideration" to the ACA's submission. The two parties are due to meet next week "with this episode creating hope they can move on after the bitter events of recent years" (THE AGE, 11/20).
