Australia’s Steve Smith not to challenge ball-tampering sanctions

Steve Smith and David Warner were handed 12-month bans and Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months by Cricket Australia.

Former Australian cricket captain Steve Smith speaks to the media as his father, Peter, rests his hand on Steve's shoulder in Sydney on March 29, 2018, after being sent home from South Africa following a ball tampering scandal.

Banned Steve Smith will not challenge the sanctions imposed on him by Cricket Australia (CA) for his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, the former captain said on Wednesday.

Smith and former vice-captain David Warner were handed 12-month bans and batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months by CA after the latter was caught using a piece of sandpaper on the ball in the third Test in Cape Town.

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