Ball-Tampering Row - Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft To Return Home; Tim Paine Appointed Captain Tuesday March 27,2018

Australia captain Steve Smith will be sent home from the tour of South Africa for his role in the ball-tampering scandal, but coach Darren Lehmann will remain in charge, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said on Tuesday March 27,2018  while addressing the media in Johannesburg. Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, the player caught on camera attempting to doctor the ball with a piece of tape, will all return home and not feature in the fourth and final Test against South Africa starting Friday March 30,2018

"I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans," Sutherland said at a press conference in Johannesburg.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids," he added.

Sutherland also said that coach Darren Lehmann had no knowledge of the plans to tamper the ball and therefore will continue to coach the team.

With Smith leaving South Africa, Cricket Australia has named Tim Paine as the captain of the Australian Test team. The Cricket Australia Board has received preliminary findings of the investigation into last weekend's events in Cape Town involving the Australian cricket team. Following this, Sutherland has officially reported Smith, Warner and Bancroft for breaching article 2.3.5 of Cricket Australia's Code of Conduct.

Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been named their replacements.

"All three players reported will depart South Africa tomorrow. The replacement players will fly to Johannesburg over the next 24 hours to join the squad for the fourth Test against South Africa. The three replacement players are Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns," Cricket Australia release said.