Despite suggestions of an impending appeal, David Warner announced on Thursday that he accepts the sanctions imposed by him on Cricket Australia for his role in the ball-tampering saga that rocked Australian cricket.
Following Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft’s acceptance of the charges, Warner, who was pinned as the chief instigator in the affair, took to Twitter to confirm that he won’t be appealing the 12-month ban from international and domestic cricket as well.
“I have today let Cricket Australia know that I fully accept the sanctions imposed on me,” Warner said. “I am truly sorry for my actions and will now do everything I can to be a better person, teammate and role model.”
Former captain Steve Smith had said Wednesday that he desperately wants to play for Australia again but will not be challenging a 12-month ban for a ball-tampering scandal that rocked cricket. Opening batsman Bancroft echoed similar sentiments, saying he was determined to earn back the trust of the Australian public.
Cricket Australia last week suspended Smith and Warner from all international and domestic cricket for a year, while Bancroft was suspended for nine months over the incident during the third Test in South Africa.
All three players have admitted what they did was wrong and a wave of sympathy has been growing for Smith since his public apology, during which he broke down in tears.
The trio had until Thursday to tell Cricket Australia whether they accepted their punishment or would opt for a hearing, as is their right.
Smith, a golden boy who is compared to Donald Bradman for his batting exploits, took to social media to make clear he would do his time.
“I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country,” he tweeted, in his first comments since the emotional press conference on his return to Australia last Thursday.
“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.”
Smith – the world’s number one Test batsman – was charged with knowledge of the potential ball-altering plan, while Warner was charged with developing the plot and instructing Bancroft to carry it out.
The Australian Cricketers’ Association on Tuesday called for the bans to be reduced, arguing the punishment was disproportionate to previous ball-tampering cases.
ACA president Greg Dyer pointed to the separate International Cricket Council sanction, which suspended Smith for one Test and docked him his match fee.
He also said the contrition expressed by players had been “extraordinary” and should be taken into account, urging a relaxation to allow the men to return to domestic action sooner.
With the World Cup and an Ashes series in 2019, supporters of the players believe they need to be playing state cricket to be in the type of form that could warrant selection.