However, Fairfax Media understands the review will be wide-ranging, for the team too often "head-butted", as the players often said, a line when it came to behaviour, and it's questionable as to whether that was reeled in quickly enough by top officials, including chairman David Peever, Sutherland, the coach and team manager. Sutherland and the board have grown increasingly agitated by the on-field antics of the team in recent times – the chief executive ordered his players to show more respect to their opponents after an ugly first Test against the Proteas in Durban – but a more piercing overall stance examining deep-seated cultural issues in a win-at-all-costs mentality was not taken by the top brass. This will please the Australian Cricketers Association, for it had called for a full review of CA and of events late on that fateful third afternoon of the Test when Bancroft and Smith explained their actions at a press conference. After CA laid its charges, the ACA released a statement, calling for a "cultural review to be fully independent and to consider all relevant factors and context surrounding these acts. The examination must also extend to CA's response and process following Saturday’s events." Sutherland and the board have grown increasingly agitated by the on-field antics of the team in recent times. Credit:AP

The relationship between CA and the ACA remains strained after last year's ugly fight over pay and conditions for players. Sutherland is said to be devastated by what transpired in Newlands, and the fall-out, which also includes coach Darren Lehmann quitting despite a report by integrity officer Iain Roy clearing him of knowledge of a plan to scuff the ball with sandpaper engineered by Warner, carried out by Bancroft and not stopped by Smith. Roy's investigation continues. The cultural review is set to be done while CA searches for a new coach, with this appointment likely to be made before the report is finished. The new coach will have to show he can uphold the values CA will stand by once the report is finished. Warner, Bancroft and Smith, with the ACA, managers and lawyers by their side, are debating whether to appeal and have until close of business on Thursday to determine if they will. Any appeal may be as much about reducing their sanctions, for Warner and Smith have been suspended for a year and Bancroft nine months, as it is about fighting the particular charges. Loading

Warner, Smith and Bancroft fear the severity and length of their penalties will make it even harder to reclaim their spot in the Test side next year, for they are banned from international and domestic selection. Smith and Warner have indicated they want to play on, with the World Cup in England their first hoped-for major assignment in 2019. Bancroft could yet return to the Test arena in January, for next summer's campaign will go deep into January. The welfare of the players and their families has been a priority for the ACA, at a time when the three men have lost millions of dollars through lost contracts and sponsorships. CA has lost a $20 million naming rights sponsor as a result of their actions. Regardless, Bancroft's former West Australian teammate, the now-retired Michael Klinger, maintains he can return and have a long career. "I have no doubt 'Bangers' will still be that 10-year player for Australia. He will have to earn his place back with strong performances for WA. And he’ll need to convince selectors he is a better option than the incumbent in the Test opening slot he gave up, a batsman who will no doubt be desperate to keep it," Klinger said. "But I reckon Cam has got what it takes. This won’t be the last we’ll see of him in the baggy green. He’ll make the country proud again."