Cricket South Africa said Monday it had banned four players for involvement in match fixing practices during 2015. The banned players were named as Jean Symes, Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Thami Tsolekile, the former South African Test wicketkeeper. "The banning of these four players follows a lengthy investigation," said the organization in a statement. The players have been banned from the sport for between seven to 12 years. "Whilst there has been no evidence to suggest that an actual fix in any match was carried out, these players all participated in material discussions about match fixing," said Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat. Tsolekile, who received a 12-year-ban, is said to have failed to disclose to the authorities "details of an approach to engage in corrupt conduct in the 2015 RAM slam. Matshikwe, a bowler formerly contracted to the Lions, and Ethy Mbhalati, a bowler formerly contracted to the Titans, were both banned for 10 years, while Symes got seven years. "Our attitude towards any form of corruption is clear and hence why we have imposed the firm sanctions," said Lorgat. Lorgat said investigations were still ongoing and declined to comment on the possibility of other players being involved. All the banned players have expressed regret for their offenses. The bans came into effect on Aug. 1. Tony Irish, chief executive of both the South African Cricketers' Association and the international players' representative body, said it was a sad day for cricket but took heart from the fact that there had been a thorough investigation. "Cricket has got these problems worldwide," said Irish. "The positive is that our system has detected them and there has been a successful prosecution as a result of clean players coming forward," he added. Australia's Head gets ODI call-up Left-handed batsman Travis Head was Monday added to the Australia one-day squad for the five-match series in Sri Lanka starting August 21. The 22-year-old, who is currently playing for Yorkshire in England's county championship, will join the Test team in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo Tuesday ahead of the third and final game. Having already lost the Test series after defeat in the first two matches, Australia will be looking to salvage some pride in the ODIs and two subsequent Twenty20 internationals. "Travis is a long-term prospect for Australian cricket in all formats and we think he will benefit greatly from working in the conditions we have here in Sri Lanka," said Australia's chairman of selectors Rod Marsh. "He will arrive here a few days earlier than the other ODI players so he can take the opportunity to work with the Test team as they prepare for the third Test," Marsh added in a statement. The South Australia batsman, who made his ODI debut against West Indies in June, has some subcontinent experience after stints playing in the Indian Premier League.
