Wednesday 28 March 2018 10:26, UK
Year-long bans for disgraced Australian cricketers Steve Smith and David Warner would not be too severe, says David Lloyd.
Smith, Warner and Cameron Bancroft have all been sent home from Australia's tour of South Africa for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal which has rocked cricket.
Smith has been stripped of the captaincy and faces a 12-month ban, along with his vice-captain Warner. Bancroft will be suspended for nine months. Tim Paine was officially confirmed as the new captain of Australia's Test team on Tuesday.
The punishments are expected to be confirmed by Cricket Australia on Wednesday.
When asked if those punishments are too severe, Lloyd told Sky Sports News: "No. I think it is a time [for Australia] to straighten themselves up individually.
"I wouldn't think that it is too severe. It will give the individuals a chance in a year's time - if that is it - to get everything back to what it should be in playing the game of cricket."
A year-long ban for Smith and Warner would rule them out of this summer's tour to England but they would be eligible to return in time for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales, which runs from May 30, 2019 to July 14, 2019.
Lloyd believes Cricket Australia now has an opportunity to change the culture of a team that has been accused of having a win-at-all-costs mentality and in doing so, send a message to other associations about the importance of upholding the spirit of the game.
"It is a sad time for cricket, but it is a great time for Australia to move on and to change that culture of the team," Lloyd added.
"Everybody in the cricket world would know that it looks poor. It was a poor look but they have an opportunity to put it right.
"Also, it gives a massive message to boards around the world to get their own houses in order.
"I think Australia have got a chance, in time, to get rid of all this business."
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