Perth Scorchers skipper Marcus North admits Shaun and Mitch Marsh crossed the line in the team's doomed T20 Champions League trip to South Africa, but the Western Australian Cricket Association has vowed to stick by the troubled brothers.
The Marsh duo hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier this week after it emerged they had partied too hard as they celebrated Mitch's 21st birthday in Cape Town yesterday week.
Although the majority of the squad joined in the initial celebrations, which started off as a team dinner, a few players went overboard in what turned into a boozy affair.
The brothers played in the Scorchers' next game against Delhi Daredevils, but were dropped for Wednesday's win over the Auckland Aces due to the discipline breach.
North and Scorchers coach Lachlan Stevens refused to name the other players who breached the team's guidelines with their tardy preparation.
But a review is already underway, with the WACA's hierarchy set to meet on Monday to decide on penalties.
The drunken night proved costly for Mitch, who was overlooked for Australia A's clash with South Africa in Sydney next week.
The Marsh brothers didn't comment as they waded through the waiting media scrum at Perth International Airport yesterday.
North said the whole team should be held accountable, not just the Marshes.
''There was a line that we have in our squad about acceptable preparation leading into any games and training, and the reality is that it wasn't met,'' North said. ''I take responsibility for that.
''Obviously Shaun and Mitch and these guys are getting singled out by the press. But the reality is, it's the whole team.''
Shaun Marsh was suspended by the WACA in 2007 for engaging in a late-night drinking session in the lead-up to a state match.
The 29-year-old had also been warned several times previously by the WACA to clean up his act, but Stevens said the left-hander wouldn't be cast away.
''Shaun Marsh has got a future with West Australian cricket,'' Stevens said. ''He's such a talented player, everyone knows that. We just need to have moments where people are accountable.'' AAP
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