David Warner accepts Cricket Australia-imposed one-year ban

David Warner says he won’t challenge the 12-month ban imposed for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.

David Warner has accepted his 12-month ban. Picture: AFP.

David Warner says he won’t challenge the one-year ban imposed for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.

Prolific social media user Warner took to Twitter to announce his decision, tweeting he was “truly sorry” for his actions during the third Test.

“I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me,” Warner said.

I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me. I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 5, 2018

“I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model.”

Warner joins former captain Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft in opting not to contest the Cricket Australia-imposed ban, with the nation’s governing body adding to the sanctions from the ICC.

The former vice-captain had been mulling over his decision whether to appeal since confirming on social media after Saturday morning’s media conference to confirm he was seeking advice on the matter.

The opener had the most at stake, after admitting he was “resigned to the fact” he may never play for Australia again after being identified as the mastermind of the tampering plans.

CA’s code of conduct — under which the banned trio were found to have brought the game into disrepute — had left Warner with up until the day before Wednesday’s potential hearing to confirm his position.

Many suspected he would challenge the year-long suspension.

But the 31-year-old’s decision not to — and his pledge to be a “better teammate” — indicates he will play on rather than retire, another option he said he would consider.

Smith and Warner were both handed year-long bans by Cricket Australia, while Bancroft will sit out for nine months. The initial ICC punishment saw Smith suspended for one match and fined 100 per cent of his match fee, while Bancroft was given a three demerit point penalty and fined 75 per cent of his match fee.

Smith is likely to turn out next summer for Sutherland in Sydney grade cricket, after the club had offered their full support last weekend to the 28-year-old.

In the longer term, national captaincy can be back on the agenda by March 2020. Bancroft can embark on his more-difficult path back into the Australian side earlier, given he is likely to slide back into Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield side for the second half of summer.

Bancroft’s suspension will be lifted at the end of December, meaning he can also play in the majority of the Big Bash League and try to reclaim a CA contract for the 2019-20 season.

With AAP