Steve Smith and David Warner step down as Captain and Vice-captain respectively for 3rd Test

Steve Smith and David Warner have stepped down as captain and vice-captain respectively for remainder of the 3rd Test at Newlands.

The ball tampering incident that took place on Day 3 of the 3rd Test has shocked the world as Smith and Bancroft admitted to having ‘planned’ their wrongdoings during Lunch on Day 3.

“James Sutherland, the CEO of Cricket Australia has released a statement regarding the ‘leadership group’ stepping down.

“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,” said Sutherland.

Tim Paine will take over as captain for the remainder of the match.

“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,” David Peever said.