Steve Smith and David Warner have stepped down as captain and vice-captain of Australia for the remainder of the Newlands Test.
Cricket Australia said earlier on Sunday that it would take immediate action regarding the ball-tampering scandal and it did, with both players being removed from their respective leadership positions.
Tim Paine was named stand-in captain before the start of play.
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BREAKING – Steven Smith and David Warner to stand down as Australia’s captain and vice-captain respectively for the remainder of the third #SAvAUS Test in Cape Town – CA CEO James Sutherland says in a statement. pic.twitter.com/AE2PO04LSg
— ICC (@ICC) March 25, 2018
Cricket Australia CEO 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.
‘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. ‘
ALSO READ: Smith, Bancroft admit cheating
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
