Cricket disgrace: full transcript of James Sutherland’s address

In his address in South Africa, James Sutherland said significant sanctions are being contemplated to reflect the damage done.

The following is the full transcript from Cricket Australia’s James Sutherland address in South Africa.

“I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, particularly to all the kids who loved cricket and idolised the players. I also want to apologise to Cricket Australia and South Africa.

“The Chairman David Peever has said in his statement earlier tonight we recognise this issue goes beyond the technical nature of offences and various codes of conduct. It’s about the integrity and reputation of Australian cricket and Australian sport. Ultimately it’s about whether Australians can feel proud of their sporting teams.

That depends as much on the way players conduct themselves as much as it does about winning or losing. All about how we play the game.

Earlier today I received an update about the investigation being conducted by our head of integrity Iain Roy and in conducting his interviews he was accompanied by two ICC integrity officers.

A letter from James Sutherland to Australian cricket fans pic.twitter.com/N63QHGlcYZ

— Peter Lalor (@plalor) March 27, 2018

While that investigation is not complete, preliminary findings have been considered and discussed by the CA board earlier today. The key finding is that prior knowledge of the ball tampering incident was limited to three players: Captain Steve Smith, Vice captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

No other players or support staff had prior knowledge and this includes Darren Lehmann who despite inaccurate media reports, has not resigned from his position. He will continue to coach the Australian men’s team under his current contract.

The players involved have officially been reported for breaching Cricket Australia’s code of conduct under article 2.3.5. The substance of the offence can be covered by terms and I paraphrase somewhat from the article. ‘Conduct at any time that is contrary to the spirit of the game, unbecoming of a representative, harmful to the interests of the game, or brings the game into disrepute’.

Once the investigation has concluded in the next 24 hours, sanctions will be announced and will go through the Cricket Australia code of conduct process.

All three players who have been reported will leave South Africa tomorrow and their replacements will be Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns.

Tim Paine has been officially appointed captain of the Australian men’s Test team.

Back to the reporting and in regards to the three players on report, I want to stress that we are contemplating significant sanctions in each case. These sanctions will reflect the gravity with which we view what has occurred and the damage it has done to the standing of Australian cricket. I fully understand the appetite for urgency for more detail however urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved.

In addition to sanctions for individuals, Cricket Australia will take the opportunity to review the conduct and culture of our professional teams and naturally this will involve consultation with relevant experts. We will have more to say how this will proceed in the coming weeks.

A clear focus will be on re-engaging with Australian cricket fans and the Australian public to rebuild respect and pride. Also want to place on record my strong support for the sentiments ICC CEO David Richardson has expressed about the need to raise standards generally. I agree completely with ICC and member countries, member boards, including Cricket Australia need to define more clearly what is expected of players and then enforce the standards in a consistent fashion. And I agree all member countries including Cricket Australia need to show more accountability for their team’s conduct. Winning is important but not at the expense of the laws and spirit of the game.

I understand and share the anger and disappointment of the Australian cricket family about these events. This is a serious issue and it needs to be dealt with properly and with due diligence. But now as a matter of urgency we will complete the process by tomorrow morning and in the next 24 hours we’ll be in a position to announce sanctions.”