South Africa vs Australia 2018: Steven Smith and David Warner may face life bans by Australia Cricket

Steve Smith replaces Kane Williamson as No.1 Test Batsman in the Latest ICC Ranking for Test Batsmen.

The ICC has handed Smith a one-Test ban for his role as Australian skipper in the Sandpaper Gate.

While Steven Smith may have gotten away with a one-Test ban from the ICC for the part he played in the ball-tampering controversy on Day 3 of the third Test between South Africa and Australia at Cape Town, he could be in a for a much sterner punishment from Cricket Australia (CA).

Smith will learn his fate once the investigation on the ball-tampering incident by CA concludes.

The sport’s administrative body in the country is even contemplating a life ban on the Australian skipper, along with his deputy David Warner for cheating under Cricket Australia’s code of behaviour.

Australian opener Cameron Bancroft was caught on camera tampering with the ball on Saturday.

It was followed by a dramatic admission from Smith at the press conference that the “leadership group” had made a conscious decision to try and alter the condition of the ball.

Cricket Australia stepped in by asking Smith and Warner to step down from their respective roles for the remainder of the Test with wicket-keeper Tim Paine taking over as captain on the fourth and what eventually proved to be the final day of the ongoing Test as the hosts won the match by 322 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

The ICC investigation into the matter led to Smith being handed a one-Test ban while Bancroft was let off with three demerit points under the Code of Conduct for players.

However, considering the huge embarrassment the incident has caused to Australia’s reputation with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull asking the CA to have a deep look into the matter, Smith and Warner does look in deep deep trouble.

CA’s head of integrity Iain Roy and team performance manager Pat Howard is currently in Cape Town to undertake an investigation on the matter.

It will be very surprising to see Steven Smith continue in his role as Australian skipper following the huge public outcry that the ball-tampering incident has garnered in what has been an already controversial series.

“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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