Smith and Warner were handed a 12-month ban each by Cricket Australia
After Cricket Australia was termed 'arrogant' in a review by Longstaff of the Ethics Center on Monday, the Australian Cricketers' Association president Greg Dyer has called for the bans of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft to be lifted as the national team are in dire straits.
The trio were suspended for their roles in the ball tampering scandal in the Cape Town Test in March where the former two leaders were handed a 12-month suspension and Bancroft given a nine-month ban from playing international and domestic.
In a 13-point reaction to the developments in regard to the review by Longstaff, the ACA released an official statement on the matter.
Given there is now independent verification that CA's system and culture were contributing factors, the ACA Executive calls for the lifting of the Board imposed penalties on Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft."
"My message to Cricket Australia is a simple one: these contrite men have been punished enough. Let these contrite men play," Dyer said."I add that the ACA will be relentless in pursuing this end."
The ACA's 'relentlessness' will be put to test as a stern Cricket Australia chairman David Peever stated that in 'no uncertain terms' that they would reconsider lifting the bans imposed, stating that the punishments were drafted out 'a very full and thoughtful process.'
Also, the three players denied to appeal against their respective cases and accepted their bans as well.
"What the Longstaff Review reveals is that Cricket Australia itself must also take a share of responsibility for what happened in South Africa. Yes, this moment of madness was 'individual' but now there is evidence and independent verification of system failure as well. This is hugely significant," Dyer added.
The ACA president feels that the trio have suffered enough publicly, financially and emotionally.
"With this new information common sense, common decency, basic fairness, proportionality and natural justice demand that the punishment is reduced. The players have already lost time in the game, chances to play for Australia, endured public humiliation and faced massive financial penalties.
A CA spokesperson has stated that they look forward to the ACA making a submission.
"We have seen the Australian Cricketers' Association (statement) and note they will be making a submission to the CA Board in the next 48 hours. We look forward to engaging directly with the ACA in a positive and constructive manner in the best interests of the game."
