David Warner requesting evidence before possible hearing

David Warner’s legal team is requesting specific evidence before deciding whether or not to appeal the penalties placed upon them by Cricket Australia, Sydney Morning Herald reports. 

Warner and Steve Smith were given a 12-month ban, while Cameron Bancroft was given 9-months for their part in the ball-tampering scandal during the third Test in South Africa. The trio have until Thursday to decide whether or not to appeal the penalties.

An investigation by Cricket Australia found that just three people – Bancroft, Smith and Warner – knew of the plan, and that Warner had been the driving force behind it.

The cricketing body has also carried out interviews with all players and members of the coaching staff who were involved. It has been revealed that Warner’s team are asking for the transcripts of these interviews, and that the former vice captain is the most likely to appeal the bans out of the trio.

Read more: Cricketer Steve Smith’s dad has his corner: ‘My son’s no cheat’

A prospective hearing date has been set for April 11 by Cricket Australia, Sydney Morning Herald said.

All three players issued emotional press conferences on their return to Australia and have apologised and accepted responsibility for their parts in the ball-tampering scandal. 

Last week, Warner, 31, broke down in tears and struggled to speak as he made a series of heartfelt apologies for his role in the ball tampering scandal currently rocking Australian cricket.

Warned admitted he has resigned himself to the fact he may never be able to play cricket for his country again, before issuing an emotional apology to his wife and children in Sydney on Saturday.

Read more: Smith and Warner stood down following cricket cheating scandal

“Most important now is the wellbeing of my family,” he told reporters, while fighting back tears. “In the back of my mind, there’s a tiny ray of hope that I may one day play for my country again but I’m resigned to the fact that might never happen.”

He issued apologies to the cricket team, his teammates, South Africa and his loyal fans.

And on Thursday night, Australian test team coach Darren Lehmann said he would step down at the end of the fourth test against South Africa to allow the team to move forward from the scandal, although he reiterated that, as Cricket Australia’s probe found, he knew nothing of the plan to tamper with the ball.

What do you think? Do you think ball tampering is cheating?

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