Smith, Bancroft not to challenge ball-tampering ban

Former Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday refused to challenge the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia (CA) for their role in last month's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball.

"I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith said on his verified Twitter account. 

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"But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team.

"I won`t be challenging the sanctions. They`ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them."

I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country. But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them. — Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018

Bancroft followed suit and accepted his punishment.

Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down. I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public. Thank you to all those who have sent messages of support — Cameron Bancroft (@cbancroft4) April 4, 2018

Now, Warner is the only player left to announce his decision.

Smith and Warner were stripped of their leadership positions for their role in the March 24 incident.