Ball-Tampering Row: Steve Smith, David Warner Banned For 12 Months By Cricket Australia. Cameron Bancroft Out For 9 Months

Steve Smith and David Warner were on Wednesday banned for one year by Cricket Australia following the ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Cameron Bancroft, the player caught on camera attempting to doctor the ball with a piece of tape, was also handed a nine-month ban. Smith and Warner have already stepped down from their IPL captaincy roles. Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland met the players at their hotel in Johannesburg's Sandton district to tell them their fate before they flew back to Australia, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

"As the Chairman has noted, the sanctions we have announced are significant for the individuals involved. That is why the process has had to be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined," Sutherland said.

"I am satisfied that the sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events," he added.

"As indicated, Cricket Australia will provide more details of an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men's team in due course." Sutherland concluded.

Earlier, Smith was slapped with one-match ban by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and was also fined for breaching the code of conduct. Bancroft also got 75 per cent fine and three demerit points.

"As I indicated yesterday, the CA Board understands and shares the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about these events," Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said.

"They go to the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport and the penalties must reflect that," Peever said.

"These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers," he said.

After the incident, the Australian media came out all guns blazing against the cricketers and slammed them for bringing disgrace and humiliation to the country.

Sutherland had already asked Smith and Warner to step down as captain and vice-captain respectively after the former admitted that Australia's 'leadership group' orchestrated the plan.

Smith was handed full-time captaincy of the Australian cricket team after the team lost the Ashes 2-3 to England under the leadership of Michael Clarke.

Smith has led Australia in 34 Tests and took his team to victories on 18 occasions. Australia have lost 10 Tests and drew 6 under Smith's leadership.

Warner, one of the best openers in the world, has represented Australia in 74 Tests, scoring 8540 runs at an average of 48.20, including 21 centuries and 29 fifties.

In 106 ODIs, Warner has scored 4343 runs at an average of 43.43, including 14 centuries and 17 fifties.