ACA president Greg Dyer,a former Test gloveman,said on Tuesday he had sworn while watching the media conference,so angry was he that Smith and Bancroft had been allowed to participate. That conference had been delayed by an hour,for Bancroft had appeared before match referee Andy Pycroft and been charged.
However,Fairfax Media can confirm Smith and Bancroft had insisted they front the press,despite CA suggesting to the pair that they wait a day to consider the ramifications of going public.
Smith,not wanting the issue to hang over his head with the crucial match continuing,was adamant about appearing despite being warned about the consequences of what he might say.
He was advised that if he did front up he should offer few details,claim he was constrained in what he could say because Bancroft had been charged,and promise a fuller account at a later time. But such was his anguish at what had transpired during the lunch break,when he failed to stop a plan orchestrated by David Warner and carried out by Bancroft,that he felt the need to unburden himself. Those who know Smith well say it's in his nature to confront any problems head on.
Smith could have appeared alone at the media conference but it's understood Bancroft made it clear he wanted to join his skipper,as he would suggest when quizzed by reporters.
"Unfortunately,I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be here (at the media conference) because I am accountable for my actions as well,"Bancroft said.
The ACA have been made aware that the claim about the players being rushed to appear before the public is not correct.