3 Sent Home
Australia captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and batsman Cameron Bancroft will be sent home from South Africa for ball-tampering in the third Test in Cape Town.
However, Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland says head coach Darren Lehmann was not involved in the controversy and will remain in his post. Sutherland added that the sanctions to be handed down to Smith, Warner and Bancroft within the next 24 hours will be “significant”.
He said: “It is not in the spirit of the game. It is not a good day for Australian cricket.”
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine has been named as captain for the rest of the series.
Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been called up as replacements and will fly out to South Africa for the fourth Test, which begins in Johannesburg on Friday.
Sutherland told a news conference: “I share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans and the broader Australian community about events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday.
“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all kids who love cricket and idolise the players.
“I want to also apologise to Cricket South Africa and South African fans that this issue has overshadowed what should have been a great series.
“We recognise this issue goes beyond the technical nature of offences and various codes of conduct. It is about whether Australians can feel proud of their national sport teams.
“While the investigation is not complete, preliminary findings have been discussed by Cricket Australia’s board.”
Bancroft and Smith were exposed during the third day of the third Test when images showed the opening batsman take what he said was yellow tape out of his trouser pocket before rubbing the ball.
After the day’s play, Smith admitted the team’s “leadership group” had a plan, carried out by Bancroft, to tamper with the ball to “get an advantage”.
After beginning an investigation on Sunday, Cricket Australia told reporters on Tuesday that their sanctions will be in addition to those imposed on Smith and Bancroft by the sport’s world governing body.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) banned Smith for one match and fined him his entire match fee, while Bancroft was fined 75% of his match fee and given three demerit points.
Warner was not punished by the ICC, but both he and Smith stepped down from their roles for the remainder of the third Test, which South Africa won by 322 runs the following day. The Proteas lead the series 2-1 with one to play.