Reports: Smith and Warner face one year ban, Lehmann to step down

The problems for Australian Cricketer, Steve Smith and his leadership group seem to increasing with every passing hour. After admitting to ball tampering, Steve Smith and Australian Team came under huge criticism. On the third day of the third test, they were caught changing the ball’s condition deliberately and with a pre meditated plan in place.

According to reports of Guardian, Smith could be banned from representing his country for a year and he might also lose his captaincy permanently.

Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft will be subjected to a probe led by CA CEO James Sutherland and the players are expected to learn their fate within the next 48 hours.

Lehmann, who was apparently not involved in the entire fiasco will step down as Australian coach in the next 48 hours.

While Steve Smith has already been banned from the 4th Test, Cameron Bancroft and David Warner too won’t be allowed to play in the final test of the tour .

Queensland openers Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw who are currently playing domestic cricket are likely to replace them for the final Test match.

Cricket Australia, who on Tuesday morning will have Sutherland join Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard and Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Integrity Iain Roy have given a brief update about the situation.

“We are aiming to be in a position to fully update the Australian public on the investigation and outcomes on Wednesday morning,” Sutherland said in an email to cricket fans.

“We understand the strong interest everyone has in this situation and we are following due process to properly address all of the relevant issues involved.” they said.

Smith has been sacked as captain of Rajasthan Royal and Ajinkya Rahane is named the new captain of the side.

Zubin Bharucha, a Rajasthan official said, “The incident in Cape Town has certainly disturbed the cricketing world. We have been in constant touch with the BCCI and taken their counsel. Furthermore, we have been in regular contact with Steve.”

“It’s in the best interest of the Rajasthan Royals that he steps down as Captain so the team can get ready for the start of the IPL without the ongoing distractions.

Smith was a part of Rajasthan Royal in 2014 and 2015 edition and also retained by the team in 2018.