Smith, Warner, Bancroft bans too harsh: Players’ Association

Australia’s ball-tamperers weren’t given time to ‘seek advice’ before admitting their guilt, the players’ union says.

The year-long ban of Steve Smith by Cricket Australia has been criticised by the Players’ Association. Picture: AFP

The Australian Cricketers’ Association has called for a review into the culture of cricket in Australia as the sport continues to suffer in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.

Facing the media in Sydney today, ACA chairman Greg Dyer, a former Australian Test wicket keeper, said the sport needed to “take decisive action to restore its rightful place in the hearts and minds of all Australians.”

“The game has become win at all costs, on and off the field and it is hurting cricket. We need a far-reaching and comprehensive review of the culture of the game in Australia,” Dyer said. “Let’s identify all the causes of the tipping point that occurred (in the Third Test) in Cape Town.”

While Dyer said Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft had done the wrong thing and caused untold damage to cricket’s reputation, he said the suspensions handed down by Cricket Australia were disproportionate to bans and fines set by the International Cricket Council for similar offences in the past.

Smith was stripped of the Australian captaincy and banned for 12 months from playing state and international cricket.

Warner has been banned for 12 months and Bancroft for nine months. All three are considering their options regarding an appeal.

Dyer also hit out at CA’s flawed process in the way they dealt with the situation in Cape Town.

“Cricket Australia’s motivation was correct, but justice which is rushed can sometimes be flawed,” he said.

.@ACA_Players President Greg Dyer says that as right as the motivation was, the proposed sanctions against players implicated in the ball tampering scandal were disproportionate relative to precedent.

MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #SkyLiveNow pic.twitter.com/N48aPJfhm0

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) April 3, 2018

“Was proper process followed after the day’s play on March 24? The players should have been allowed time to consider the charges placed on them by the umpires or match referee and to seek proper advice.

“Instead, they were rushed to a press conference minutes after leaving the field to face the world’s media and make rushed statements and admissions. This was unfair to the players.”

Dyer said the ACA had studied the history of the offence regarding ball tampering and pointed out that “that of the dozen or so matters of this type, the most severe suspension to date has been a ban for two one-day internationals and the most expensive fine has been 100 per cent of a match fee”.

“The informed conclusion is that as right as (CA’s) motivation is, the proposed penalties are disproportionate relative to precedent,” he added.

.@ACA_Players President Greg Dyer: I think Australia cried with Steve Smith last Thursday, I know I certainly did.

MORE: https://t.co/ykweMevBOK #SkyLiveNow pic.twitter.com/jUqfEbygBJ

— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) April 3, 2018

Dyer called on CA to consider “recalibrating the sanctions and to consider options such as suspending or reducing part of the sanction.”

He said the ACA had received hundreds of letters and emails of support for Smith, Warner and Bancroft and that the Association is working closely with the players in regards to support and player welfare.

“I want to assure all those who have concerns for the players that the ACA is providing all the important support we can,” he said.

President Greg Dyer addressing the media in Sydney on player welfare issues and sanctions pic.twitter.com/SmVa7OX9kT

— Aust Cricketers Assn (@ACA_Players) April 3, 2018