Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft should have their suspensions reduced after the review into the culture of the sport, according to the Australian Cricketers’ Association.
The trio were suspended after Bancroft was caught on camera during the Cape Town Test in March attempting to change the condition of the ball using sandpaper. Captain Smith (left) and vice-captain Warner (right) were implicated in the plan.
The fallout saw the commission of a review, which said CA were perceived as “arrogant” and “controlling” and treated their elite players like commodities, allowing “alpha-male” egos to develop a win-at-all-costs approach.
Players’ union president Greg Dyer said: “Yes, this moment of madness was ‘individual’ but now there is evidence and independent verification of system failure. This is hugely significant. Common decency, fairness, proportionality and natural justice demand the punishment is reduced.
“My message to Cricket Australia is a simple one: these contrite men have been punished enough, let these contrite men play.”
Pressure is building on CA chairman David Peever — awarded a second five-year term last week — after he described the ball-tampering incident as a “hiccup” yesterday.
Former ICC chief Malcolm Speed said: “It’s not a hiccup, it’s much more than that. Australian cricket can do better in choosing its chairman and the game deserves better governance.”
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tweeted: “CA, under David Peever, has overseen the destruction of the image of our national game. #PeeverShouldResign”
