Amla has sympathy for banned Australian trio

South African batsman Hashim Amla says he has sympathy for the trio of banned Australian cricketers who will have to live with the consequences of their attempt to cheat in the third and penultimate Test match at Newlands. Cricket Australia Wednesday imposed 12-month suspensions on captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner, and a nine-month ban for Cameron Bancroft, after finding out that the trio not only conspired to alter the condition of the match ball, but also lied in the aftermath of the incident. "When something like this happens, you definitely feel sympathy for the person it happened to," Amla told reporters as South Africa begin their preparation for the fourth and final Test Friday. "The three Australians made a mistake and have had to pay the price for it. We all make mistakes, we're not perfect. "We know how tough cricket is. It's an international sport and so much work goes on behind the scene."

“There’s no holier then thou attitude. Everyone makes mistakes in their lives. We don’t wish difficulty on any human being,” say SA batsman Hashim Amla ahead of the 4th test #SAvsAus #sandpapergate ?:@Ihsaan_Haffo pic.twitter.com/ywMWo3TmCw

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) March 28, 2018

South African captain Faf du Plessis has twice been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council for attempting to alter the condition of the ball and Amla says many teams around the world will be taking stock of how they play the game. "I've always believed we've played our cricket the best we can with a few mistakes here and there. But you learn and move on," he said. "It obviously gives every cricket team in the world a bit of a reality check. It allows you to ask yourself again, 'what type of cricket do you want to play?' It's probably also given the ICC a lot more headaches in terms of codes of conduct and to help us determine where is the line." South Africa have started their preparation for the fourth Test at The Wanderers where they will be able to seal a first home series victory over Australia since 1970 if they can hold onto, or improve, their 2-1 lead.

WATCH: Proteas feel sorry for disgraced trio‚ says Hashim Amla https://t.co/jkTXaWt3qH pic.twitter.com/RkogPKi3Hj

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Amla says they have not let the chaos engulfing their opponent affect their focus. "With all the distraction, there is not much we can do from our perspective," the 34-year-old said. "I am grateful that we are sitting in the South African change room without the shadows hanging over us. For us it is about the cricket. You've got to keep your focus as professional sportsmen. "You appreciate that it was a good battle. But it's not war. It's ridiculous to think that playing cricket is like war." South Africa had a net session Wednesday but Australia cancelled theirs for unspecified reason.