Smith confirms he won't appeal ban

Steve Smith has confirmed that he will not appeal Cricket Australia's sanctions suspending him from international and Australian domestic cricket for the next 12 months. Smith, who is also precluded from holding any leadership position within the national side for a further 12 months after his playing ban elapses, took to social media on Wednesday afternoon to make the announcement.

BREAKING: Former captain Steve Smith will not appeal against the 12-month suspension imposed on him by Cricket Australia. pic.twitter.com/xeDXOHeRWX

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 4, 2018

The former Test skipper is the first of the trio banned in the wake of the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal to confirm he won't appeal. "I would give anything to have this behind me and be back representing my country," Smith wrote. "But I meant what I said about taking full responsibility as Captain of the team. I won’t be challenging the sanctions.

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

"They’ve been imposed by CA to send a strong message and I have accepted them." David Warner, who has had a lifetime leadership ban imposed on him to go with his 12-month playing ban, and Cameron Bancroft (nine-month suspension) are yet to announce whether they will contest their charges. CA has confirmed hearings over the level-three charges and/or sanctions issued to Smith, Warner and Bancroft would take place - if needed - on Wednesday week.

JUST IN: Steve Smith has announced his decision on whether he will appeal his ban https://t.co/LNQhdYWJJt #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/B5SjntOx3Y

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) April 4, 2018