INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Steve Smith, David Warner, Cameron Bancroft were banned after Bancroft used sandpaper on the ball during a Test against South Africa in
MarchThe bans on Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will not be reduced, says Cricket Australia (CA).Smith and Warner were
suspended for 12 months and Bancroft for nine for ball-tampering in South Africa in March.The Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA)
wanted the punishment lifted after an independent review into CA found it to be partly to blame.CA interim chair Earl Eddings said that "it
is not appropriate to make any changes to the sanctions".The ACA said the decision was "disappointing" but, while "the ACA respectfully
disagrees with CA's decision, it is accepted".A statement from the body added: "The ACA has done all it could in support of our submission,
and now considers the matter closed."Smith, captain at the time, and Warner, his vice-captain, are eight months into one-year bans, while
Bancroft, who carried out the cheating in South Africa, will be eligible to return in December."These contrite men have suffered enough
Let them play," said Greg Dyer, head of the players' union, in October.But Eddings added: "The original decision of the board to sanction
the players was determined after rigorous discussion and consideration
"CA maintains that both the length and nature of the sanctions remain an appropriate response in light of the considerable impact on the
reputation of Australian cricket, here and abroad."Steve, David and Cameron are working hard to demonstrate their commitment to cricket and
have our continued support to ensure their pathway to return is as smooth as possible."We believe the ongoing conversation about reducing
the sanctions puts undue pressure on the three players - all of whom accepted the sanctions earlier this year - and the Australian men's
"As such, the Cricket Australia board doesn't intend to consider further calls for amendments to the sanctions."Australia have struggled
since the trio were banned
They lost a one-day series in England 5-0, a two-match Test series against Pakistan 1-0 and were beaten 3-0 by the same opponents in a T20
contest.They have also lost a one-day series against South Africa 2-1 and host India across all formats of the game this winter on home
soil, starting with a Twenty20 match in Brisbane on Wednesday.
