Cricket Australia finds Smith, Warner and Bancroft guilty of Ball Tampering

The Sandpaper Gate has shocked the cricketing world with the image of the Australian Team being tarnished because of the pre-meditated and planned strategy to fiddle with the ball in order to get some advantage in the 3rd Test against South Africa.

Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera, using a sandpaper to tamper with the ball, and once sighted on the big screen, he panicked and tried to put it in his trousers.

Video footage further revealed that Bancroft was tipped off by Peter Handscomb who was apparently sent to the field by Darren Lehmann, after having seen the footage on the big screen.

Following the on field confrontation with the umpires, Bancroft and Smith in the press conference admitted to tampering the ball, and that it was a pre-meditated strategy, which they felt could have given Australia an advantage in the game.

Cricket Australia had sent in an investigation team to get evidences regarding the entire incident, and while the investigation hasn’t quite taken its full course, James Sutherland has confirmed that only three players(Bancroft, Warner and Smith) had prior knowledge of the ball tampering episode, and that they will be sent back to Australia with immediate effect.

Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell will be replacing the accused players and will fly into South Africa within 24 hours.

Tim Paine has been appointed as the new captain.

“Smith, Warner and Bancroft all charged after it was found they had prior knowledge of the ball tampering incident. No one else was aware” James Sutherland said.

However, no sanctions have been agreed upon until now and that Sutherland will be making that announcement in the next 24 hours.

“In view of the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant,” Sutherland said.

“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.

“We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board.” he added.