Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland revealed in a press briefing in Johannesburg that only three players in the Australian team knew of the ploy to tamper with the ball. Sutherland said CA’s investigation, which was still in its preliminary stages, revealed that Steven Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were the only individuals who had knowledge of the plan.
As a consequence, all three players will be sent back to Australia, with Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns being called in as replacements for the fourth and final Test against hosts South Africa.
“The preliminary findings have confirmed that prior knowledge of the incident in Cape Town was confined to only the three players reported,” Sutherland said.
Sutherland also confirmed that Darren Lehmann, the coach of the Australian side, was not in the know about the ploy to tamper with the ball and will continue in his position as coach.
Sutherland added that the appropriate sanctions, which should come out in the next 24 hours, will be meted out to players once the investigations are completed. The investigations were carried out by Iain Roy, CA’s Head of Integrity, who was joined by two more from the ICC.
“In view of the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant. The process must therefore be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined. I understand the appetite for urgency given the reputation of Australia as a sporting nation has been damaged in the eyes of many. However, urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved. In addition to sanctions for individuals, Cricket Australia will initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men’s teams,” Sutherland said.
Tim Paine, who took over from Smith as captain midway through the last Test, will continue to lead in the fourth Test.