Steve Smith and David Warner stand down from Australia roles
Written by News on 25/03/2018
Steve Smith and David Warner have stood down as captain and vice-captain for the remainder of the third Test in South Africa, with Tim Paine taking over the captaincy.
Smith admitted Australia’s players planned to alter the ball during day three of the third Test in Cape Town.
Footage emerged of opening batsman Cameron Bancroft using a foreign object on the ball and then hiding it down his trousers – an action that has seen him charged by match officials.
Smith said Bancroft’s actions were planned by the “leadership group” of players in the Australia team during the lunch break.
Cricket Australia chief executive, James Sutherland said: “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 match needs to proceed, and in the interim we will continue to investigate this matter with the urgency that it demands.
“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 on our findings, as a matter of priority.”
Both Smith and Warner will take to the field in Cape Town, with one Test remaining in the series, which starts on Friday in Johannesburg. No decision has been announced as to whether the pair will take part.
(c) Sky News 2018: Steve Smith and David Warner stand down from Australia roles
