Ball-Tampering Row: CA to Conduct Inquires; Findings on Tuesday

Cricket Australia has provided an update in relation to the the ball-tampering incident in South Africa.

File photo of Steve Smith.

(Photo: AP)

Cricket Australia has provided an update in relation to the the ball-tampering incident involving the Australian team and the next steps prior to the fourth Test starting on Friday in Johannesburg.

Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said:

Senior legal counsel Iain Roy and head of high performance Pat Howard arrive in Cape Town on Monday morning local time, and Iain will immediately conduct his inquiries around the specifics of the ball-tampering incident.

James Sutherland

“I am travelling to Johannesburg this evening and will arrive Tuesday morning local time to meet Iain to understand the findings of the investigation to that point, and to determine recommended outcomes. We know Australians want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings and next steps, as a matter of urgency,” concluded Mr Sutherland.

Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said:

The Cricket Australia Board has been fully updated on the issue and supports James travelling to South Africa to manage the response to the investigation currently underway. We expect to be able to fully update the Australian public on the findings on Wednesday morning (Tuesday evening in Johannesburg).

David Peever 

“We understand that everyone wants answers, but we must follow our due diligence before any further decisions are made,” said Peever.

Australian captain Steve Smith has been banned for one match by the International Cricket Council on Sunday for his role in a ball-tampering plot in the third Test in South Africa but Cameron Bancroft, the player who did the tampering, avoided a suspension.

Smith admitted "he was party to a decision to attempt to change the condition of the ball in order to gain an unfair advantage," the ICC said after Smith confessed to hatching a plan, apparently with at least one other unnamed senior player, to cheat in the match against South Africa.

Smith was also fined his entire match fee, cricket's governing body said on Sunday.

(With inputs from AP)

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