Smith won't challenge 1-year ban

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Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not challenge the bans imposed on them for their role in the ball-tampering scandal as the disgraced former Australia skipper sought to justify the punishment, saying it was meant to send out a "strong message".

Smith, his deputy David Warner and young Bancroft were handed bans up to one year by Cricket Australia following the scandal during their disastrous South Africa tour, which ended in an embarrassing 1-3 series defeat.

The trio has time till April 11 to challenge the bans.

"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," Smith wrote on his twitter page.

There are speculations that Warner may challenge the punishment.

Daily Pioneer
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