Key highlights of Cricket Australia statement on ball-tampering investigation

Cricket Australia has banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world. The incident happened in the third Test of Australia-South Africa four-match series.

After the scandal, Cricket Australia released a statement of the investigation. According to the statement Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have been charged with a breach of Article 2.3.5 of the CA code of conduct. They have been accused of the following:

• Their conduct was contrary to the spirit of the game
• Their behaviour was unbecoming of a representative or official
• Their conduct is or could be harmful to the interests of cricket.
• All the three players brought disrepute to the game of cricket.

The punishments are:

Steve Smith

"Suspension of 12 months from all international and domestic cricket"

David Warner

"Suspension of 12 months from all international and domestic cricket"

Cameron Bancroft

"Suspension of 9 months from all international and domestic cricket"

CA allowed all the three playersto play club cricket and will be encouraged to do so to maintain links with the cricket community. Also,all three players will be required to undertake 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket.

Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket.

Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group.

David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future.

Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said, "These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers."

Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said, "I am satisfied that the sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events."