MELBOURNE: Steve Smith stood down as Australia cricket captain after ball-tampering scandal
Steve Smith has stood down as Australian cricket captain for the remainder of the third Test with South Africa following the now infamous ball-tampering scandal.
The incident took place during South Africa’s second innings and the International Cricket Council [ICC] has already charged Cameron Bancroft, the batsman at the heart of the incident which was caught on TV cameras, with Smith admitting that it was a decision taken by the “leadership group” within the team.
Vice-captain David Warner has also been stood down by Cricket Australia.
A short statement from CA chief executive James Sutherland confirmed the news with further ramifications now likely to follow.
“Following discussions with Steve Smith and David Warner they have agreed to stand down as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the remainder of this Test match. This Test needs to proceed, and in the interim, we will continue to investigate this matter.
“Cricket Australia and Australian cricket fans expect certain standards of conduct from cricketers representing our country, and on this occasion, these standards have not been met. All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated.”