Disgraced former Australia vice-captain David Warner has accepted the full sanctions levied on him by Cricket Australia in the aftermath of the ball-tampering investigations.
The third Test between South Africa and Australia saw David Warner conjure up a plan to get the ball to reverse swing. In order to do so, he convinced captain Steve Smith and young opener Cameron Bancroft, that the only way to get back in the game was to alter the condition of the ball. Cameron Bancroft was then given the responsibility to use a sandpaper to rough up one side of the ball.
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.
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 5, 2018
However, Bancroft was caught doing so by the cameras during the third day’s play and tried to hide the evidence in his trousers, before umpires intervened and asked him. However, later in the day, as the pressure mounted, Steve Smith and Bancroft admitted to altering the condition of the ball in the press conference.
Later on, fines and demerit points were handed out by the ICC to the trio. But CA conducted their own internal investigation and found out that Warner was the one to instigate this disgraceful act. Smith and Warner copped a ban of 12 months each and were removed from leadership roles for 2 years. Bancroft was given a 9 month ban. Smith and Warner were also suspended from the Indian Premier League's season 11.
Though, Steve Smith will be eligible for captaincy roles for Australia after a year of his ban’s finish; Warner will never be considered for such roles for Australia in future.