Michael Clarke hits out at Cricket Australia, says board made David Warner 'complete scapegoat'

Former Aussie Captain Michael Clarke hit out at Cricket Australia for their handling of David Warner's captaincy ban review.

Accusing the Australian board of double standards, Clarke stated Cricket Australia was inconsistent with the three players who were involved in the 'Sandpaper-gate'. While Steve Smith & Cameron Bancroft were also involved in the ball-tampering episode, only Warner among the three copped a lifetime leadership ban.

Earlier this week, David Warner withdrew his appeal of getting his leadership ban overturned, claiming he didn't want his family to be the "washing machine for cricket's dirty laundry."

Speaking to The Big Sports Breakfast, Clarke said one can tell Warner's "disappointed and frustrated."

The 2015 World Cup-winning captain further highlighted how Warner is being subjected to much higher public scrutiny than the likes of Steve Smith. Stating how Steve Smith is currently the stand-in captain against the West Indies, Clarke said he can understand what Warner must be going through, having unfortunately missed out on the captaincy opportunity.