A report from the Sydney Morning Herald reveals that David Warner and Steven Smith could push for their domestic ban of 12 months to be reduced. The duo have been banned from playing for Australia or in the Australian domestic circuit for the next 12 months after being found guilty in the ball-tampering saga.

During the third Test in Cape Town, Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera while using a sandpaper to tamper with the condition of the ball. Steve Smith and Bancroft admitted to misdoings in a press conference 10 minutes after stumps that day.

In what turned out to be a self-destructing press conference, the duo as well as the main instigator of the plan, David Warner, were then handed bans. Cameron Bancroft faced a 9 months ban while the former captain and vice-captain were slapped with a yearlong suspension from playing for Australia and in the domestic circuit.

With this, it would become very difficult for the duo to make a comeback before the World Cup next year since they won’t be playing in the domestic circuit and, as a result, lose their touch with the game.

Hence, the duo have taken legal advice on whether or not to appeal against their sanctions, which—the report further adds—they believe is excessive.

Meanwhile, Warner’s advisors are contemplating on the choices that he could make from here. There is a chance that he could retire or face the dejection of not being able to win a central contract after his ban is lifted next year when he will be 32 years of age.

The decision about the duo contesting their charges should happen within or on April 11, the deadline by which they should inform Cricket Australia of their verdict. Also, hearings on the level-three charges/sanctions placed on the trio could take place on Wednesday if required.

According to CA’s code of conduct, there will be a hearing in the presence of a CA commissioner if the convicted player(s) disagrees with a charge or sanction stamped on him (them).

The contracts for international players are usually determined by April by the CA based on their performances from July 1^st the previous year. This means that both Warner and Smith will only have the opportunity to play in the NSW Premier Cricket grade competition after their ban is lifted and before the central contracts are announced next year.

While their ban means that they will not be contracted for the 2018-19 season, sources close to the players believe that they should be given the opportunity to earn a deal for the 2019-2020 season—something which perhaps can’t happen with the domestic ban that they have been inflicted with.