Steven Smith and David Warner have been handed one-year bans by Cricket Australia after their involvement in the ball-tampering controversy during the Newlands Test against South Africa.
Cameron Bancroft, 25, was handed a nine-month ban for his actions in scratching the ball with sandpaper.
And as CA announced its decision and the trio learnt of their fate, cricket stars and experts had a mixed reaction to the suspension.
Below we take a look at some of the tweets:
Steve Smith I think is a good guy who made a huge mistake … He needed punishing but I think this is too harsh … Bancroft who I don’t know was led astray but deserved punishing but again too harshly IMO … The other guy I really don’t care about …
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 28, 2018
Many think the Bans are harsh (Me Included) but the precedent has now been set by CA … They realised they had to send a message across the whole game … With what these players will lose out on I am sure the shock wave will do its job …
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 28, 2018
I’ve woken up this morning actually gutted for Smith, Warner & Bancroft.
Yes they were involved and will be sanctioned but I’m afraid they weren’t the only ones(& I don’t think anyone else believes they were)…
I hope they get a fair trial.
— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 28, 2018
I honestly do not believe any other country would have handed its captain and lead player a 12 month ban for attempted ball-tampering
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) March 28, 2018
So with the one year ban on Smith and Warner and also a 2 year captaincy ban on both, think India will be favourites when they tour Australia later this year. Wonder, who will captain Australia at the World Cup. Aaron Finch ?
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 28, 2018
Whoa…12 months ban for both Smith and Warner. Don’t see either of them playing in the IPL too. #SandpaperGate
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 28, 2018
Good job that Steve smith admitted & plead guilty for wrong doing ..
But what a waste of good captain & a great batsman.. lesson for all the cricketers to be on the right side of the game ..— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 28, 2018
