Smith, Warner, Bancroft suspended by Cricket Australia

Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have been suspended by Cricket Australia for the fourth Test in Johannesburg for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal, reports cricket.com.au. After a CA investigation, all three players were found guilty of breaching article 2.3.5 of Cricket Australia’s Code of Conduct and will fly home from South Africa on Thursday. Smith has also been stripped of the captaincy for at least the final Test in South Africa, with Tim Paine endorsed by the board as his successor and Australia's 46th Test captain after he acted in the role on day four in Cape Town. Queensland pair Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns, and Victoria's Glenn Maxwell have been called up as replacements for the banned trio. "We understand and share the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about the events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday," said Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever.

Sutherland: The response from the public is not terribly surprising. It's a reminder of how important the game is to Australian fans

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 27, 2018

"This issue goes beyond the technical nature of the offences and various codes of conduct. It is about the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport. "Ultimately, it is about whether Australians can feel proud of their national sporting teams. "That depends as much on the way the players conduct themselves, as it does about winning or losing. "It is about how we play the game." Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland told reporters in Johannesburg on Tuesday night that Smith, Warner and Bancroft have been charged with CA Code of Conduct breaches and added their respective sanctions will be revealed in the next 24 hours. The immediate future of head coach Darren Lehmann was also clarified, with the South Australian to continue his tenure as per his contract.

JUST IN: Cricket Australia take action against three players: https://t.co/Y471v90j9g pic.twitter.com/mWTHogHcOY

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 27, 2018

"In view of the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant," Sutherland said. "The process must therefore be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined. "I understand the appetite for urgency given the reputation of Australia as a sporting nation has been damaged in the eyes of many. However, urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved. "In addition to sanctions for individuals, Cricket Australia will initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men’s teams. "We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board." Smith had already been suspended for the final Test at The Wanderers by International Cricket Council CEO David Richardson on Sunday, while Bancroft was fined and handed three demerit points to his disciplinary record.