Following the massive ball-tampering controversy on Day 3 of the Third Test between Australia and South Africa, Steve Smith and David Warner have both stepped down as captain and vice-captain of the Australian team, for the rest of this Test.
The announcement was made by Cricket Australia just minutes before the start of the fourth day’s play. Tim Paine has been appointed the Australian captain for the remainder of this Test.
Update: Both Steve Smith and David Warner have taken the field on Day 4 of the Cape Town test as South Africa look to add to their overnight score of 238/5.
In an official statement, 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.
“All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings, as a matter of priority,” concluded Mr Sutherland.
On the board’s decision to appoint an Acting Captain, Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said:
“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,” Mr Peever concluded.
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