Cricket Australia asks Steve Smith, David Warner to step down for rest of Newlands Test; Tim Paine to lead

03/25/2018

Cricket Australia's CEO James Sutherland has stated that Australian captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner will step down from their respective positions for the rest of the third Test against South Africa. Wicket-keeper Tim Paine will take over the mantle of captaining the side.

Yesterday, on the third day of the Newlands Test, Cameron Bancroft and Smith had admitted that he had used yellow sticky tape to pick up granules from the pitch and rub them on the ball so as to alter its conditions. Smith has also added that he was privy to the idea as it was a part of the discussion in the leadership group.

The first clip of the incident was aired by the official broadcaster and from which it was clear that Bancroft was rubbing the ball on the inside of his right palm, before transferring something from that palm into his pocket. On-field officials took stock of the things and the next footage confirmed the incident, which brought the integrity of the entire Australian team in question. And now, CA, understanding the enormity of the issue, asked the captain and vice-captain to step down from their positions and Paine will lead the side for the reminder of the match.

"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.

"As I said earlier today, 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," said Sutherland as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"The Board of Cricket Australia has endorsed Tim Paine to step in as Acting Captain for the remainder of this Test. Both Steve and David will take to the field today under Tim's captaincy.

"The Board fully supports the process for an immediate investigation into what occurred in Cape Town. We regard this as a matter of the utmost seriousness and urgency. We will ensure we have all information available to make the right decisions for Australian Cricket."

However, it remains to be seen what the match referee is going to do while giving the verdict on the matter.