Reports: Steve Smith and David Warner banned for 12 months, Bancroft for 9 months

Cricket Australia have announced the sanctions for all three players who were involved in the ‘Sandpaper Gate’ that transpired during the 3rd Test of the ongoing South Africa vs Australia Test series  in Cape Town.

While the ICC had already handed a one Test match ban to Smith, Cricket Australia’s investigation has led to the board sanctioning Smith and Warner to a 12 month ban and Bancroft to a 9 month ban.

No official confirmation has been given by Cricket Australia until now, but is expected to be along the same lines.

James Sutherland addressed the media last night in a press conference in Johannesburg but did not quite announce the sanctions, as the investigation hadn’t run its full course.

He had though confirmed that Smith, Warner and Bancroft wouldn’t take further part in the Test series, and that Renshaw, Burns and Maxwell were being flow in as replacements.

I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia. It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018

Warner and Smith 12 month playing bans and also banned from captaining Aust for two years. Bancroft nine month playing ban.

— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) March 28, 2018

The players though have the right to challenge the verdict of Cricket Australia.

All players have the right to challenge their verdicts and also the duration of their penalties via a CA code of behaviour hearing with an independent commissioner, who can also choose whether the hearing is public or private

— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) March 28, 2018

The 12 month ban means that Warner and Smith would miss India’s tour of Australia later this year and would have very less time to get in shape and match ready for the 2019 World Cup in England.

Is there a way back?