Cricket Australia confirm sandpaper was used in attempt to alter the ball in Cape Town
Wednesday 28 March 2018 17:43, UK
Cricket Australia (CA) say David Warner was responsible for the "development" of the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town and "will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future" as a result.
A CA statement has confirmed Warner's team-mate, Cameron Bancroft, used sandpaper to try and manipulate the condition of the ball during the third Test against South Africa.
Australia captain Steve Smith and vice-captain Warner have been handed 12-month bans from international and state cricket, while Bancroft received a nine-month ban.
Bancroft was caught on camera trying to manipulate the ball and the three players CA identified as involved have all been sent home from the tour.
A key CA finding was that Bancroft had used sandpaper to rough up the ball and not sticky tape as he stated.
While Smith and Bancroft were both found guilty of "knowledge" of the plan to cheat, a CA statement credits Warner with the "development" of the plot.
Cricket Australia's charges against Warner included the "development of a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball" and "instruction to a junior player" to carry out the plan.
Smith was accused of "knowledge of a potential plan" and "failure to take steps to seek to prevent the development and implementation of that plan".
The statement added: "Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket.
"Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group.
"David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future."
Comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.
Watch the first day of the fourth and final Test between South Africa and Australia live on Sky Sports Cricket from 8.55am on Friday.
