Smith not to contest ball-tampering ban

Melbourne, April 4 - Banned former Australia captain Steve Smith and batsman Cameron Bancroft on Wednesday said that they will not contest their ball-tampering bans.

Smith and ex-vice-captain David Warner were handed one-year bans and Bancroft was given a nine-month suspension by Cricket Australia (CA), after the infamous incident took place in the Cape Town Test against South Africa.

"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," Smith wrote on Twitter.

"I won't be challenging the sanctions. They've been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them," he added.

Bancroft also tweeted on Wednesday, writing: "Today I lodged the paperwork with Cricket Australia and will be accepting the sanction handed down."

"I would love to put this behind me and will do whatever it takes to earn back the trust of the Australian public," he added.

Smith, Warner and Bancroft were sent home from the tour after the third Test and apologised for their actions.

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IANS