Cricket Australia facing new accusations its report into the sandpaper scandal wasn’t thorough enough

Cricket Australia won’t be releasing publicly any details of its investigation into the sandpaper scandal in South Africa as interim chief executive Nick Hockley declared he’d “like to think” cricket fans still trusted the players.

Amid renewed speculation about who knew what, after comments from opening batsman Cameron Bancroft last weekend about the scandal, Hockley also said CA had “no position” on whether Steve Smith could captain Australia again.

Smith was stripped of the captaincy and he, Bancroft and David Warner were all banned for their role in the incident, penalties which Hockley said came about after a “thorough investigation”.

Bancroft’s comments, in an interview with an English newspaper, have reopened old wounds, with the Australian bowling group forced to declare, again, they had no prior knowledge of the ball tampering.

Hockley on Wednesday dismissed a suggestion the findings of the investigation, during which not all players on the tour of South Africa were interviewed, needed to be released.

He said in the absence of any new information, and Bancroft said he had none after being contacted by CA’s integrity team, everyone needed to move on.

“People have served their time. The way the team has conducted itself since has been exemplary,” Hockley said.

“I think that what the last 72 hours has done, it brought back what was a painful time for a lot of people.

“Having clarified and Cam having clarified too … I think we look forward to moving on.

“The investigation was a thorough one. As far as we are concerned, the investigation is closed and we move forward.”

Asked if he thought Australian cricket fans could still trust the team and players, Hockley said: “I’d like to hope so, I’d like to think so.”

3 years later, Sandpaper gate is still making headlines!#ICYMI: All the reactions from current & former players after #CameronBancroft shed light on the infamous incident at Newlands#SteveSmith#PatCummins#CricketAustraliapic.twitter.com/iupIFzqiPw

Smith recently declared his interest in taking over the captaincy again once Tim Paine stepped down.

Hockley said that wasn’t an issue up for official discussion and couldn’t say if Smith’s role in the sandpaper scandal would influence any future decisions.

“That’s something that will need to be considered over time,” he said.

“Some very severe sanctions were handed out, people have done their time, people have learned great lessons, and I’ve got huge admiration for the way Steve took on his responsibilities and the way he goes about conducting himself.

“Tim (Paine) is providing fantastic leadership, and future leadership is something that needs to be considered in due course.

“We don’t have a firm position. We are always working on succession planning.”

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