James Sutherland Says Process Underway Into Investigating Ball Tampering Incident

'It's a very sad day.'


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Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland has refused to make a decision on anyone involved in the ball tampering incident, saying a process will be undertaken to investigate what he labelled an "extremely serious issue".

LISTEN TO JAMES SUTHERLAND:

An emotional Sutherland is yet to speak to Smith about the ball tampering incident involving him, Cameron Bancroft and coach Darren Lehmann.

He said it was devastating news to wake up to.

“I was extremely disappointed to hear the news and read the news," he told media on Sunday.

"We regard this as an extremely serious issue.

"Australian cricket fans want to be proud of their cricket team…I think they have every reason to wake up and not be proud. It’s a very sad day for Australian cricket."

Sutherland said head of integrity Iain Roy and head of team performance Pat Howard will travel to South Africa to investigate the matter before making a decision.

"Unfortunately that’s not the end of it, and can’t be the end of it. We have a responsibility to take this further," he said.

"We will, over the next couple of days, get a deep understanding of what happened and why.

 

"You will appreciate there’s an element of process…it will be dealt with properly.

"My job now is to understand the facts...it's not as simple as just jumping to conclusions.

"I don't think anyone will be under any illusions in the team as to what I think about this."

Ethan Meldrum

25 March 2018

Article by:

Ethan Meldrum




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