CAMERON Bancroft, Somerset's overseas player for the 2018 season, has admitted to tampering with the ball during Australia's ongoing Test match against South Africa.
Controversy erupted during the third day's play yesterday (Saturday) when television cameras caught Bancroft taking a yellow object - initially thought to be sandpaper, but which the batsman claims was tape - out of his pocket and rubbing the ball with it before returning it into his pocket.
Bancroft then appeared at a press conference alongside captain Steve Smith and said: "I had discussions with the match officials, I've been charged with attempting to change the condition of the ball.
A simply astonishing confession from Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft 😳 pic.twitter.com/YaE7fBZamq
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 24, 2018
"I saw an opportunity to potentially use some tape and get some granules from the rough patches on the wicket and I guess try to change the ball condition.
"It didn't work. The umpires didn't change the ball. Once I was sighted on the screen having done that I panicked quite a lot and that obviously resulted in me shoving [the tape] down my trousers.
"I will deal with the damage that comes to my reputation as a consequence.
"I don't think I was coerced. I was nervous about it because there are hundreds of cameras around.
"Unfortunately I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I am accountable for my actions as well. I'm not proud of what has happened.
Smith - who has been banned for one Test by the ICC - admitted it was part of a plan put together by the 'leadership group'.
The captain said: "The leadership group knew about it. We spoke about it at lunch.
"I am not proud of what's happened. It's not within the spirit of the game. My integrity, the team's integrity and the leadership group's integrity has come into question. It wont happen again.
"It was the leadership group's idea. Poor choice and we deeply regret our actions. The coaches weren't involved. It was purely the leadership group who came up with this."
Even the Austrlian government got involved, with Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull calling for Smith to lose his position as captain, saying: "It seemed completely beyond belief that the Australian cricket team had been involved in cheating.
"I've spoken with David Peever, the Chairman of Cricket Australia, a few moments ago and I've expressed to him very clearly and unequivocally my disappointment and my concern about the events in South Africa.
"It's their responsibility to deal with it, but I have to say that (to) the whole nation, who holds those who wear the Baggy Green up on a pedestal, about as high as you can get in Australia this is a shocking disappointment. It's wrong, and I look forward to Cricket Australia taking decisive action soon."
No penalty runs were awarded to South Africa at the time and Bancroft has avoided an ICC ban, instead being fined 75 per cent of his match fee and hit with three demerit points - he could yet be banned pending the result of any further action by Cricket Australia.
It also puts Somerset in a difficult position - any ban would be likely to apply just internationally, but some Somerset supporters are unhappy with the idea of the Australian now representing the club.
I hope @SomersetCCC will now terminate Bancroft’s contract. We don’t want cheats at our club #Steve Smith #SAvAUS #bancroft #WeAreSomerset #somerset https://t.co/kwipXZSBoS
— Sheldon Cole (@sheldoncole) March 24, 2018
Following Bancroft's cheating, not sure it's such a great idea for Somerset to be bringing him over. If I were them, I'd consider cancelling the contract and getting someone who doesn't engage in ball-tampering.
— Jack Mendel 🏏 (@JackMendel4) March 24, 2018
Just my view..
"Thanks, but no thanks" should probably be Somerset's 'response' to this. It doesn't sit easily with me. Just what we don't need. https://t.co/LJBfG2W7lD
— Geraint Jones (@jones_itfc) March 24, 2018
The club have this afternoon released the following statement from director of cricket Andy Hurry: "I recognise it is important to keep everyone up to date and informed which I will do in due course, however we need to have all the facts and any supporting information before commenting further.
"It will be important to reflect on that information and at that point, I will comment further."
The 25-year-old is due to link up with Somerset in time for the start of the County Championship campaign and is available for the majority of the season should the club still wish to welcome him.
As well as the moral argument, there is also the practical side to consider - will Bancroft be in the right state of mind to score runs with this hanging over him?
It is an unenviable position for Somerset to be in.
Elsewhere, Craig Overton took 1-70 from 25 overs as New Zealand pressed home their advantage against England in Auckland.
Overton had Colin de Grandhomme caught behind as the hosts racked up 427-8 declared in response to England's 58 all out.
The tourists finished day four on 132-3, still 237 runs behind, with captain Joe Root falling for 51 from the final ball of the day.
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