Cricket Australia says it is considering significant sanctions against Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, but Darren Lehmann has not resigned as Australian men’s cricket head coach.
Smith, Warner and opener Bancroft have all been ordered home from South Africa in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal which has rocked the sport.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland insisted no other players or support staff had prior knowledge of the intention to tamper with the ball.
“This includes Darren Lehmann, who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position,” he said.
“He will continue to coach the Australian men’s team under his current contract.”
Lehmann’s deal runs through to the 2019 Ashes series.
Wicket-keeper Tim Paine has been officially appointed as Test captain.
Sutherland said Smith, Warner and Bancroft had been officially reported for breaching article 2.3.5 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct — for conduct contrary to the spirit of the game — with sanctions to be announced in the next 24 hours. All three are likely to face lengthy bans.
Batting trio Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns will be flown in as replacements for the team.
“I want to stress we are contemplating significant sanctions in each case,” Sutherland said in the Johannesburg press conference.
“I fully understand the appetite for urgency for more detail, however urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved.
“I am angry and disappointed. It is not a good day for Australian cricket.”
Source: ABC
