Steve Smith and David Warner have stood down as Australia's captain and vice-captain for the rest of the third Test over the ball-tampering bombshell in South Africa, Cricket Australia said in a statement on Sunday.
David Warner (left) and Steve Smith have been stood down as Australia's captain and vice-captain for the rest of the third Test. Photo: Photosport
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine, 33, would step in as acting captain for the remainder of the ongoing third test against South Africa, CA added.
Smith said he was embarrassed and took responsibility for the actions of his side after they were charged with attempting to change the condition of the ball on Saturday but he will not be stepping down as skipper.
Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, 25, the most junior member in the side, was the player charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for trying to change the condition of the ball using sticky tape and grit from the pitch.
- Reuters