Disgraced Australian trio Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have the option to appeal against the sanctions imposed on them by Cricket Australia in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal on the third day of the third Test in Cape Town (24 March).

Wednesday (April 4) is the last day for the players to appeal against the sanctions.

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However, former Australian skipper Steve Smith has announced that he will not be challenging the decision of Cricket Australia to ban him and Warner for a year to “send a strong message”.
Smith took to the micro-blogging site, Twitter, to announce his decision, saying: “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. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.”

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. I won’t be challenging the sanctions. They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them.

— Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) April 4, 2018

Smith’s Tweet had also created a storm because it had come a day after Australian players’ union called for a dilution of the ban, describing them as “disproportionate”.

Talking to the media in Sydney, Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) president Greg Dyer said, “The proposed penalties are disproportionate relative to precedent.”

“We ask that consideration be given to recalibrating the proposed sanctions, to consider options such as suspending or reducing part of the sanction. To consider allowing the players to return to domestic cricket earlier, for example, as part of their rehabilitation.”

Earlier, Steve Smith was banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. Talking to the media about the incident on March 29, Smith broke down at a press conference he addressed for the first time after the controversy.

Here is what Smith had said:

“To all of my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to all Australians who are disappointed and angry. I’m sorry.”

“I take full responsibility … There was a failure of leadership, of my leadership. I’ll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it’s caused.”

“If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I’ll regret this for the rest of my life. I’m absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness.”

“Cricket is the greatest sport in the world. It’s been my life and I hope it can be again. I’m sorry and I’m absolutely devastated.”

“It hurts … I’m deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining young kids … I just want to say sorry for the pain I’ve brought to Australia, to the fans and the public.”

“I don’t blame anyone. I’m the captain of the Australian team. It’s on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened last Saturday.”