Somerset have pulled out of their deal to sign Cameron Bancroft as an overseas player this season in the wake of the global outcry that has followed his involvement in Australia's ball-tampering calamity.
Bancoft has been suspended for nine months in an episode that has also seen captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and, most recently, coach Darren Lehmann all lose their posts. Smith and Warner have also been banned for a year.
Somerset's decision to stand firm with Cricket Australia signals that English counties will not have the audacity to try to snap up any of Australia's fallen heroes for a prolonged recuperation in county cricket.
Although the ECB has given no outspoken guidance on how counties should respond, the official view is that Cricket Australia's stance should be supported and that support has been guaranteed in high-level discussions between the two Boards. it would seem highly unlikely, in any case, that a No Objection Certificate would be issued.
Somerset's statement was a measured one, determinedly low-key on the sort of moral grandstanding that has characterised much of the debate in recent days and also showing a sensitivity to the position of the player who will no longer be heading to the West Country.
Andy Hurry, Somerset's director of cricket, said: "Over the last few days, cricket has been overshadowed by a very dark cloud. There has been an understandable amount of emotion, deliberation, varying degrees of language and opinions across the game, the public and the various media platforms all associated with the alteration to the condition of the ball by Cameron Bancroft during the Third Test in Cape Town.
"Cricket Australia, following their investigations, have offered sanctions to those involved.
"We as a club have been monitoring this process closely, alongside gathering as much additional information as we can. I have spoken numerous times to Cameron since last Saturday, he has spoken very maturely, he shared his deep regret and apologised to everyone associated to the club.
"It's important we remember there is a young man at the centre of all this, he made a poor choice, as I and I'm sure many of us have done during our lives. What's important now, is Cameron is given the appropriate support. There is no doubt in my mind, he will learn from this and he will return stronger.
"I have met this morning with the CEO, Club Captain and Head Coach and with the Club's best interests at the centre of our decision can confirm Cameron Bancroft will not be our overseas player for the 2018 season.
"We are currently undertaking the process to recruit a replacement overseas player that best fits our needs and will share an update in due course."
Somerset had announced Bancroft's signing shortly after his Test debut for Australia - a step up in class for him after his previous county experience in Division Two of the Championship with Gloucestershire.
It was a substantial deal, involving the bulk of the Championship and all Royal London One-Day Cup fixtures.
The signing illustrated Bancroft's rising status because his Gloucestershire record had been a modest one, but he had expressed the desire to follow in the footsteps of other acclaimed Australians at Taunton such as Justin Langer. If that opportunity ever comes, it will now be long delayed.