Banned trio deserve another go, says CA chief James Sutherland

Past one month or so have been obnoxious for Australian cricket much due to the ugly Ball-tampering incident that unfolded in the 3rd Test match against South Africa at Capetown. The aftermath of the incident saw the trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, handed over punishments which were believed by many as a call that was too harsh from Cricket Australia (CA).

But there is still a glimmer of hope that the banned trio can stage a comeback into the Australian setup after serving their bans. In one of his latest public appearances on Tuesday, CA chief executive James Sutherland assured the possibility that sees the trio to represent their nation again given they prove their worth to the selectors.

They deserve an opportunity: Sutherland

In what turned out to be one of the ugliest incidents ever encountered in the history of Australian cricket, Sutherland still offers a hope for things to get better from hereon. Amid the fallout of the ball tampering fiasco, an immediate resignation by Darren Lehmann from his duties as a head coach brought in even a greater disorder, as Sutherland believes there isn’t a better individual to lead CA than him in this turbulent state.

He has his weight behind the men who been deeply affected and reckons that, “They deserve that opportunity. I feel for all three players. I feel forgiveness for all of them. I feel sympathy for them and I want to see them all come back and play their best cricket. I believe they all can”. The CA chief is hopeful for their return to serve the nation and earn back that lost respect and dignity.

Need to prove their worth

It becomes essential for the three men to go about their business and keep the motivation going. To be fortunate enough to don that baggy green again, they need to prove their worth to the selectors and need the hunger to score tons of runs, alive and kicking.

“Each of them have to go about that during the time they’re out of the game and prove that they’re worthy (and) prove to the Australian selectors that they should want them back,” he told SEN Radio on Tuesday.

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