David Warner and Steve Smith have sanctioned a year ban from cricket in Australia following their involvement in the ball tampering scandal against South Africa at Capetown. Both the players also lost their respective IPL contracts as they breached conduct of the game.
Meanwhile, the duo has been cleared to play the grade cricket in Sydney. In its sanctions, CA clearly stated that the players will not be indulged in “International” or “domestic” cricket but they can represent the “grade” or “club” cricket.
The New South Wales Cricket Association said it wouldn’t stand in the way of Smith and Warner, ensuring they would be available to play for Sutherland and Randwick-Petersham, their respective club sides.
However, the fate of Cameron Bancroft is yet to be decided by the Western Australian Cricket Association. Bancroft has been banned for a period of nine months as he played a vital role in the sandpaper gate. It will be interesting to see if his club will allow him to play the grade cricket. A few weeks back, he also lost his county cricket contract for the Somerset.
Cricket Australia appointed Justin Langer as the coach of the national side last week and a new look limited overs squads were announced. Tim Paine is all set to lead the ODI side while the shortest format of the game chose Finch as its skipper.
This squad will be touring England for five ODI”s and a single T20I. It will be really a test of character for the team who will be missing the services of their star duo Warner and Smith.