<p>Australians are known for their "aggressive" and "brutal" style of playing cricket, however, for the first time in the proud history of baggy green&nbsp;Australian cricketers are saying - "I am deeply sorry."</p>

<p>A very surprising situation, when International Cricket Council(ICC) gave them a bit of leeway while punishing them for altering the condition of the ball in order to win the match, Cricket Australia went ahead and slapped the men in question - Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft- with stringent bans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 12-months ban for ball-tampering appears very harsh to some fans, let's take a look back when the "bully" Australians have tarnished the "gentleman's game". There is enough proof to nail the Aussies.</p>

<p>Not too long ago former Australian batsman Mark Waugh and legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne were involved in a betting scandal when they admitted to taking money to pass on pitch report to a bookie during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in 1994. Both players were fined but to some extent, the incident was covered-up.</p>

<p>Steve Waugh, the architect of mental disintegration,&nbsp;now "deeply troubled" and has written a letter in the wake of the recent ball-tampering scandal to address the "heartbroken cricket followers worldwide" but his practice of making teasing remarks to an opposing player in order to disturb their concentration still haunts the cricketing world.</p>

<p>Darren Lehmann, who stepped down as the Australian coach with watery eyes was once found guilty of racism.</p>

<p>In 2003, during Australia's tour to Sri Lanka, Lehmann shouted "Cunts, cunts, fucking black cunts," while marching towards the dressing room after he had been run out. But the same Aussies looked for sympathy when the Monkeygate scandal broke out between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds in 2008.</p>

<p>The cricket fraternity, especially, Australians cried over Phil Hughes death, who died when a bouncer struck his neck during a domestic match in Sydney but the same Aussies greeted Virat Kohli with bouncers.</p>

<p>Australian antics does not end here, remember the Test match between Australia and India when Michael Slater forced umpire Venkatraghavan to falsely claim Dravid's catch in 2001.</p>

<p>And who can forget when Darryl Harper, an Australian umpire gave Sachin Tendulkar LBW on a ball which was above shoulder height - a bouncer.</p>

<p>David Warner who has now apologised for his involvement in the recent ball-tampering scandal, once punched an English player Joe Root in a pub in the United Kingdom in 2013 and defended himself by saying that the incident happened in aggression. Really?</p>

<p>"I understand the consequences now," said Steve Smith in the recent emotional media interaction but was he aware of the consequences when he looked towards the pavilion to get approval before reviewing a decision during their India's tour in 2017, later calling it a "brain fade" moment.</p>

<p>Australian cricket is littered with sledging incidents or "mental disintegration" in Aussie terms as players from South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan would testify.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video of Rahul Dravid and&nbsp;Michael Slater incident:</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>See how Australians mentally disintegrate opponents:</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Were they ever sorry? When they tried to "hijack" the mind by sledging and passing personal and derogatory comments on the opposition's wives and girl-friends? Which eventually is a far worse concept in cricket than ball-tampering for which the tarnished players are crying.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


Now, after the ball-tampering saga, the tarnished players are crying, but the incident seems trivial in comparison to what they have done earlier against other teams

Australians are known for their "aggressive" and "brutal" style of playing cricket, however, for the first time in the proud history of baggy green Australian cricketers are saying - "I am deeply sorry." A very surprising situation, when International Cricket Council(ICC) gave them a bit of leeway while punishing them for altering the condition of the ball in order to win the match, Cricket Australia went ahead and slapped the men in question - Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft- with stringent bans. A 12-months ban for ball-tampering appears very harsh to some fans, let's take a look back when the "bully" Australians have tarnished the "gentleman's game". There is enough proof to nail the Aussies. Not too long ago former Australian batsman Mark Waugh and legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne were involved in a betting scandal when they admitted to taking money to pass on pitch report to a bookie during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in 1994. Both players were fined but to some extent, the incident was covered-up. Steve Waugh, the architect of mental disintegration, now "deeply troubled" and has written a letter in the wake of the recent ball-tampering scandal to address the "heartbroken cricket followers worldwide" but his practice of making teasing remarks to an opposing player in order to disturb their concentration still haunts the cricketing world. Darren Lehmann, who stepped down as the Australian coach with watery eyes was once found guilty of racism. In 2003, during Australia's tour to Sri Lanka, Lehmann shouted "Cunts, cunts, fucking black cunts," while marching towards the dressing room after he had been run out. But the same Aussies looked for sympathy when the Monkeygate scandal broke out between Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds in 2008. The cricket fraternity, especially, Australians cried over Phil Hughes death, who died when a bouncer struck his neck during a domestic match in Sydney but the same Aussies greeted Virat Kohli with bouncers. Australian antics does not end here, remember the Test match between Australia and India when Michael Slater forced umpire Venkatraghavan to falsely claim Dravid's catch in 2001. And who can forget when Darryl Harper, an Australian umpire gave Sachin Tendulkar LBW on a ball which was above shoulder height - a bouncer. David Warner who has now apologised for his involvement in the recent ball-tampering scandal, once punched an English player Joe Root in a pub in the United Kingdom in 2013 and defended himself by saying that the incident happened in aggression. Really? "I understand the consequences now," said Steve Smith in the recent emotional media interaction but was he aware of the consequences when he looked towards the pavilion to get approval before reviewing a decision during their India's tour in 2017, later calling it a "brain fade" moment. Australian cricket is littered with sledging incidents or "mental disintegration" in Aussie terms as players from South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, England and Pakistan would testify. Watch the video of Rahul Dravid and Michael Slater incident: × See how Australians mentally disintegrate opponents: × Were they ever sorry? When they tried to "hijack" the mind by sledging and passing personal and derogatory comments on the opposition's wives and girl-friends? Which eventually is a far worse concept in cricket than ball-tampering for which the tarnished players are crying. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: 'Mental disintegration' Steve Waugh style comes back to haunt Australia

<p>Faf Du Plessis slammed a magnificent century&nbsp;scored 120 runs off 178 balls. It was his first major contribution of the series as South Africa moved further ahead of Australia on the fourth day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Monday.</p>

<p>South Africa were 202 for three at lunch, an overall lead of 469. South African captain Du Plessis made 81 not out and opening batsman Dean Elgar was on 59 not out.</p>

<p>Only 20 overs were bowled on a heavily overcast morning. Bad light delayed the start, there was a 16-minute stoppage for more bad light and a further delay when Du Plessis was injured.</p>

<p>South Africa, who lead the series 2-1 and need only to draw to clinch their first home series win against Australia since 1969/70, added 68 runs without losing a wicket.</p>

<p>Elgar crawled to a half-century off 199 balls, ironically reaching the mark with a six off Mitchell Marsh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">FOUR! Big cheers as <a href="https://twitter.com/faf1307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@faf1307</a> brings up career Test century number 8 from 163 balls (17x4s, 1x6), take a bow, you beauty! SA 240/3 after 85 overs, lead by 507. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ProteaFire?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ProteaFire</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunfoilTest?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunfoilTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/UVttFfPwI3">pic.twitter.com/UVttFfPwI3</a></p>
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/980766622712508418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


South Africa, who lead the series 2-1 and need only to draw to clinch their first home series win

Faf Du Plessis slammed a magnificent century scored 120 runs off 178 balls. It was his first major contribution of the series as South Africa moved further ahead of Australia on the fourth day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Monday. South Africa were 202 for three at lunch, an overall lead of 469. South African captain Du Plessis made 81 not out and opening batsman Dean Elgar was on 59 not out. Only 20 overs were bowled on a heavily overcast morning. Bad light delayed the start, there was a 16-minute stoppage for more bad light and a further delay when Du Plessis was injured. South Africa, who lead the series 2-1 and need only to draw to clinch their first home series win against Australia since 1969/70, added 68 runs without losing a wicket. Elgar crawled to a half-century off 199 balls, ironically reaching the mark with a six off Mitchell Marsh. FOUR! Big cheers as @faf1307 brings up career Test century number 8 from 163 balls (17x4s, 1x6), take a bow, you beauty! SA 240/3 after 85 overs, lead by 507. #ProteaFire #SAvAUS #SunfoilTest pic.twitter.com/UVttFfPwI3 — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 2, 2018 ×

AUS vs SA: Faf Du Plessis slams his eighth Test century, stretches South Africa lead

<p>Skipper Tim Paine batted splendidly with a stress fracture on his thumb as scandal-hit Australia showed some much-needed fight in the fourth Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Sunday.</p>

<p>The new skipper top-scored for Australia with 62 off 96 balls before being caught by a diving Dean Elgar in the deep off Kagiso Rabada.</p>

<p>In reply to South Africa's first innings total of 488 all out, Australia were bundled out for 221 runs.</p>

<p>The new Australian captain was in immense pain and was assisted by team's physiotherapist.&nbsp</p>

<p>Despite suffering a hairline fracture, Paine resumed batting on Day 3.</p>

<p>The fourth Test also saw Australian fast bowler Morne Morkel suffer a side strain. Morkel left the field after bowling two balls of his 13th over during the morning session.</p>

<p>Apart from Paine, Usman Khawaja (53) and Pat Cummins (50) chipped in with valuable runs for the visiting team.</p>

<p>Paine was handed the captaincy after former skipper Steve Smith was banned following his involvement in the ball tampering scandal during the third Test in Cape Town.&nbsp</p>


The new skipper top-scored for Australia with 62 off 96 balls

Skipper Tim Paine batted splendidly with a stress fracture on his thumb as scandal-hit Australia showed some much-needed fight in the fourth Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Sunday. The new skipper top-scored for Australia with 62 off 96 balls before being caught by a diving Dean Elgar in the deep off Kagiso Rabada. In reply to South Africa's first innings total of 488 all out, Australia were bundled out for 221 runs. The new Australian captain was in immense pain and was assisted by team's physiotherapist. Despite suffering a hairline fracture, Paine resumed batting on Day 3. The fourth Test also saw Australian fast bowler Morne Morkel suffer a side strain. Morkel left the field after bowling two balls of his 13th over during the morning session. Apart from Paine, Usman Khawaja (53) and Pat Cummins (50) chipped in with valuable runs for the visiting team. Paine was handed the captaincy after former skipper Steve Smith was banned following his involvement in the ball tampering scandal during the third Test in Cape Town.

Australia vs South Africa: Paine hits 62 despite suffering hairline fracture in right thumb

<p>Disgraced Australia former vice-captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/apologetic-warner-resigned-to-never-playing-for-australia-again-127441">David Warner</a>'s wife Candice said Sunday she blamed herself for his part in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/topic/ball%20tampering">ball-tampering scandal</a>, adding that the taunts they faced in South Africa took a huge toll.</p>

<p>Opening batsman Warner was banned for one year from domestic and international cricket over the plot to change the condition of the ball on the third day of the third Test against South Africa eight days ago.</p>

<p>In a tearful press conference in Sydney Saturday, the 31-year-old spoke of his fear that he would never get to represent Australia again as his wife watched on.</p>

<p>"I feel like it's all my fault and it's killing me -- it's absolutely killing me," Candice Warner told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph.</p>

<p>The Test series was already fractious before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/topic/ball%20tampering">ball-tampering affair</a>, with a row between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/apologetic-warner-resigned-to-never-playing-for-australia-again-127441">David Warner</a> and Quinton de Kock during the first Test which the Australian said was sparked when the South African insulted his wife.</p>

<p>Two senior Cricket South Africa officials were also photographed with three spectators wearing All Black rugby player Sonny Bill Williams face masks during the second Test in reference to a reported intimate encounter Candice Warner had with him in 2007 before she met Warner.</p>

<p>Candice Warner said she was not making excuses for her husband's behaviour over the scandal but added that he was "protecting me as much as he could and protecting the girls (their children)".</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p>"But Dave would come home from the game and see me in tears in the bedroom, and the girls just looking at their mum, it's been heartbreaking," she said.</p>

<p>"When we were in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Dave would come home and, yes, I always put on a strong front and I turn out to the games.</p>

<p>"But seeing them wearing the masks, to have people staring and pointing and laughing at me, to have the signs, to have, you know, the songs made up about me, I would have to sit there and cop that."</p>

<p>Candice Warner also called for sympathy and patience from Australian fans,&nbspsaying the batsman was struggling to cope with the fallout.</p>

<p>Warner evaded questions during the press conference about whether the ball-tampering plan was his idea, whether it was the first time, who else was aware of it and whether he had been made a scapegoat.</p>

<p>He has appeared isolated after being charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plot and telling Cameron Bancroft -- who was suspended for nine months -- to carry it out.</p>

<p>"I'm sure there were things he wanted to say but he just couldn't get it out. He is hurting. He is seriously, seriously struggling and he's not in a great headspace," she said.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Candice Warner blamed herself for her husband's part in the ball-tampering scandal

Disgraced Australia former vice-captain David Warner's wife Candice said Sunday she blamed herself for his part in the ball-tampering scandal, adding that the taunts they faced in South Africa took a huge toll. Opening batsman Warner was banned for one year from domestic and international cricket over the plot to change the condition of the ball on the third day of the third Test against South Africa eight days ago. In a tearful press conference in Sydney Saturday, the 31-year-old spoke of his fear that he would never get to represent Australia again as his wife watched on. "I feel like it's all my fault and it's killing me -- it's absolutely killing me," Candice Warner told Sydney's Sunday Telegraph. The Test series was already fractious before the ball-tampering affair, with a row between David Warner and Quinton de Kock during the first Test which the Australian said was sparked when the South African insulted his wife. Two senior Cricket South Africa officials were also photographed with three spectators wearing All Black rugby player Sonny Bill Williams face masks during the second Test in reference to a reported intimate encounter Candice Warner had with him in 2007 before she met Warner. Candice Warner said she was not making excuses for her husband's behaviour over the scandal but added that he was "protecting me as much as he could and protecting the girls (their children)". Watch the video here: × "But Dave would come home from the game and see me in tears in the bedroom, and the girls just looking at their mum, it's been heartbreaking," she said. "When we were in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, Dave would come home and, yes, I always put on a strong front and I turn out to the games. "But seeing them wearing the masks, to have people staring and pointing and laughing at me, to have the signs, to have, you know, the songs made up about me, I would have to sit there and cop that." Candice Warner also called for sympathy and patience from Australian fans,&nbspsaying the batsman was struggling to cope with the fallout. Warner evaded questions during the press conference about whether the ball-tampering plan was his idea, whether it was the first time, who else was aware of it and whether he had been made a scapegoat. He has appeared isolated after being charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plot and telling Cameron Bancroft -- who was suspended for nine months -- to carry it out. "I'm sure there were things he wanted to say but he just couldn't get it out. He is hurting. He is seriously, seriously struggling and he's not in a great headspace," she said.

'It's all my fault and it's killing me,' says David Warner's wife Candice

<p>A distraught David Warner issued an abject apology for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal on Saturday and said he was resigned to the prospect of never playing cricket for Australia again after his 12-month ban.&nbsp</p>

<p>In a fourth highly emotional media conference in three days involving the Australian cricket team, the former vice-captain struggled to fight back the tears as he read a prepared statement in which he said his actions had been "inexcusable".</p>

<p>"There's a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I`m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again," the ashen-faced 31-year-old told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>"In the coming weeks and months I'm going to look at how this happened and who I am as a man. I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes."&nbsp</p>

<p>Former captain Steve Smith, who gave his own emotional media conference on Thursday, also received a year's ban and batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months for their part in last Saturday's incident, which has rocked Australia.</p>

<p>Coach Darren Lehmann was also reduced to tears when he announced on Thursday he would be stepping down after the South Africa series because of the scandal.</p>

<p>Warner, who has already lost millions of dollars in contracts since the cheating was exposed, said retiring from cricket altogether was one of the options he would "weigh up" with his family.&nbsp</p>

<p>With his wife Candice, also in tears, watching on in the auditorium, Warner said he had not been shocked by what former Australia bowler Shane Warne described as the "hysteria" surrounding the case.&nbsp</p>

<p>"We let our countries down," he said. "We made a bad decision. I played my part in that.&nbsp</p>

<p>"It's really hard to sit here today, knowing and seeing my friends, my family, that are playing in South Africa at the moment in this fourth test, which I wish that I was a part of."</p>

<p>Warner was identified by a Cricket Australia investigation as the main instigator of the plan to scuff up the ball with sandpaper during the third test against South Africa last week.</p>

<p>To any questions about his role in the ball-tampering, Warner answered with an obviously pre-crafted line about taking "full responsibility for the part I played in this".</p>

<p>With Smith apparently already on the road to redemption after his news conference, and Bancroft cast as the junior player led astray by his vice-captain, Warner was asked if he had been made a scapegoat for the affair.</p>

<p>A long pause followed as he looked up and appeared to consider his answer before he again responded with the rote line.&nbsp</p>

<p>"As I said before," he said. "I'm here to speak about myself and take responsibility for the part that I played in this."&nbsp</p>


In a fourth highly emotional media conference in three days involving the Australian cricket team, the former vice-captain struggled to fight back the tears

A distraught David Warner issued an abject apology for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal on Saturday and said he was resigned to the prospect of never playing cricket for Australia again after his 12-month ban. In a fourth highly emotional media conference in three days involving the Australian cricket team, the former vice-captain struggled to fight back the tears as he read a prepared statement in which he said his actions had been "inexcusable". "There's a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I`m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again," the ashen-faced 31-year-old told reporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground. "In the coming weeks and months I'm going to look at how this happened and who I am as a man. I will seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes." Former captain Steve Smith, who gave his own emotional media conference on Thursday, also received a year's ban and batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months for their part in last Saturday's incident, which has rocked Australia. Coach Darren Lehmann was also reduced to tears when he announced on Thursday he would be stepping down after the South Africa series because of the scandal. Warner, who has already lost millions of dollars in contracts since the cheating was exposed, said retiring from cricket altogether was one of the options he would "weigh up" with his family. With his wife Candice, also in tears, watching on in the auditorium, Warner said he had not been shocked by what former Australia bowler Shane Warne described as the "hysteria" surrounding the case. "We let our countries down," he said. "We made a bad decision. I played my part in that. "It's really hard to sit here today, knowing and seeing my friends, my family, that are playing in South Africa at the moment in this fourth test, which I wish that I was a part of." Warner was identified by a Cricket Australia investigation as the main instigator of the plan to scuff up the ball with sandpaper during the third test against South Africa last week. To any questions about his role in the ball-tampering, Warner answered with an obviously pre-crafted line about taking "full responsibility for the part I played in this". With Smith apparently already on the road to redemption after his news conference, and Bancroft cast as the junior player led astray by his vice-captain, Warner was asked if he had been made a scapegoat for the affair. A long pause followed as he looked up and appeared to consider his answer before he again responded with the rote line. "As I said before," he said. "I'm here to speak about myself and take responsibility for the part that I played in this."

Apologetic Warner 'resigned' to never playing for Australia again

<p>Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in a ball-tampering scandal and said he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban.</p>

<p>An emotional Warner said he realised he may never play for his country again. But he stonewalled questions about who was aware of the ball-tampering and whether it was the first such incident within the team.</p>

<p>Warner, 31, told a media conference in Sydney: "I can honestly say I have only wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket.</p>

<p>"In striving to do so I have made the decision which has had the opposite effect and it's one that I will regret for as long as I live."</p>

<p>Captain Steve Smith and Warner were banned from international and domestic cricket for a year over the incident, while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.&nbsp</p>

<p>Coach Darren Lehmann also quit following one of the most damaging scandals to ever to hit Australian cricket.</p>

<p>Bancroft was caught on camera trying to use yellow sandpaper to alter the ball in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.</p>

<p>But Warner was charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plot and telling Bancroft to carry it out.</p>

<p>When questioned about a possible appeal, Warner said: "That's something that I will continue to sit down with my family and weigh up all my considerations before I make any decisions."</p>


I can honestly say I have only wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket: Warner

Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in a ball-tampering scandal and said he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban. An emotional Warner said he realised he may never play for his country again. But he stonewalled questions about who was aware of the ball-tampering and whether it was the first such incident within the team. Warner, 31, told a media conference in Sydney: "I can honestly say I have only wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket. "In striving to do so I have made the decision which has had the opposite effect and it's one that I will regret for as long as I live." Captain Steve Smith and Warner were banned from international and domestic cricket for a year over the incident, while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months. Coach Darren Lehmann also quit following one of the most damaging scandals to ever to hit Australian cricket. Bancroft was caught on camera trying to use yellow sandpaper to alter the ball in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. But Warner was charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plot and telling Bancroft to carry it out. When questioned about a possible appeal, Warner said: "That's something that I will continue to sit down with my family and weigh up all my considerations before I make any decisions."

Tearful Warner sorry for ball-tampering, weighing up appeal

<p>Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock frustrated Australia as South Africa continued to build an imposing first innings total on the second day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium today.</p>

<p>South Africa were 400 for seven at lunch, with Bavuma on 61 not out.</p>

<p>Bavuma and De Kock (39) put on 85 for the seventh wicket - the fifth partnership of 50 or more in the innings.</p>

<p>The score has put the Proteas in a strong position in a match which the hosts need only to draw to clinch their first home series win against Australia since 1969/70.&nbsp</p>

<p>South Africa lead the series 2-1.</p>

<p>Bavuma scored only four runs off the first 49 balls he faced on Saturday but then added another 21 runs off 21 balls to reach his fifty off 120 deliveries.</p>

<p>Australia are reeling from the ball-tampering scandal which resulted in captain Steve Smith and two other players being banned and banished in last weekend's third Test in Cape Town.&nbsp</p>


Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock frustrated Australia as South Africa continued to build an imposing first innings total on the second day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium today. South Africa were 400 for seven at lunch, with Bavuma on 61 not out. Bavuma and De Kock (39) put on 85 for the seventh wicket - the fifth partnership of 50 or more in the innings. The score has put the Proteas in a strong position in a match which the hosts need only to draw to clinch their first home series win against Australia since 1969/70. South Africa lead the series 2-1. Bavuma scored only four runs off the first 49 balls he faced on Saturday but then added another 21 runs off 21 balls to reach his fifty off 120 deliveries. Australia are reeling from the ball-tampering scandal which resulted in captain Steve Smith and two other players being banned and banished in last weekend's third Test in Cape Town.

Bavuma guides South Africa past 400 at lunch

<p>Aiden Markram on Friday smashed an unbeaten ton as South Africa took the morning honours against a changed Australia.</p>

<p>The Proteas were 88 for one at lunch on the opening day of the fourth and final test.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia, reeling from their ball-tampering scandal and led by new captain Tim Paine, made four changes, including a debut for seamer Chadd Sayers.</p>

<p>Markram (53) and Hashim Amla (13) at lunch, will look to set up a &nbsp;sizeable total on a wicket that is already taking turn and showing widening cracks as they seek a first home series win over Australia in almost 50 years.</p>

<p>Dean Elgar (19) was the only success for the labouring touring side, and his mode of dismissal was a familiar one, the third time in the series he was caught off a leading edge from the bowling of Nathan Lyon.</p>

<p>The spinner had taken the first two catches himself, but this time the ball was snatched at mid-off by Sayers.</p>

<p>Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft were handed heavy bans and sent home for a ball-tampering plot in the third test in Cape Town.</p>

<p>The trio have been replaced in the side by Joe Burns, Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscombe, while Paine captains the side for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has a fracture in his leg and was replaced by Sayers.</p>

<p>South Africa, 2-1 up in the series, are unchanged with fast bowler Morne Morkel playing his final test match before he retires from international cricket.&nbsp;</p>


Aiden Markram on Friday smashed an unbeaten ton as South Africa took the morning honours against a changed Australia. The Proteas were 88 for one at lunch on the opening day of the fourth and final test. Australia, reeling from their ball-tampering scandal and led by new captain Tim Paine, made four changes, including a debut for seamer Chadd Sayers. Markram (53) and Hashim Amla (13) at lunch, will look to set up a sizeable total on a wicket that is already taking turn and showing widening cracks as they seek a first home series win over Australia in almost 50 years. Dean Elgar (19) was the only success for the labouring touring side, and his mode of dismissal was a familiar one, the third time in the series he was caught off a leading edge from the bowling of Nathan Lyon. The spinner had taken the first two catches himself, but this time the ball was snatched at mid-off by Sayers. Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft were handed heavy bans and sent home for a ball-tampering plot in the third test in Cape Town. The trio have been replaced in the side by Joe Burns, Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscombe, while Paine captains the side for the first time. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc has a fracture in his leg and was replaced by Sayers. South Africa, 2-1 up in the series, are unchanged with fast bowler Morne Morkel playing his final test match before he retires from international cricket.

4th Test: Aiden Markram's century dominates Australia

<p>Steve Smith is currently surrounded by a cyclone of controversies following the ball-tampering row.</p>

<p>After his emotional media interaction on Thursday, a wave of sympathy&nbsp;has gathered in his support.</p>

<p>Several cricketers, analysts and presenters took to Twitter after his heart-wrenching apology.</p>

<p>Both Smith and vice-captain David Warner were banned for 12 months and Cameron Bancroft for nine months for ball-tampering during the third Test in Cape Town.</p>

<p>Here are some Twitter reactions in Steve Smith's support:</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Absolutely disgraceful to everyone there.. can’t treat Steve smith like this <a href="https://twitter.com/stevesmith49?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stevesmith49</a>... u all are crazy <a href="https://t.co/zGXgFWL9PP">pic.twitter.com/zGXgFWL9PP</a></p>
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99/status/979409036482367488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hope in time I can earn forgiveness says Steve Smith.<br />
He has already got mine.<br />
Cricketers have done worse & never admitted their guilt.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StevenSmith?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StevenSmith</a></p>
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/979367821359665154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">‘Good people make mistakes’ .. I honestly think Steve Smith & Cam Bancroft are decent guys who had a moment of madness .. they deserve a 2nd chance and hopefully get the right support around them now .. Takes a lot guts to do what they did today ..</p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/979296233830453250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To err is human, but to own up isn't all that easy. Instead of sitting on moral high grounds let's give <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> credit for being honest & accepting his punishment. A captain takes more blame in a defeat and less credit in a win. Will await his return on the cricket field ?</p>
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) <a href="https://twitter.com/jatinsapru/status/979393373965635584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I may be getting emotional but <a href="https://twitter.com/stevesmith49?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stevesmith49</a> doesn’t look to me a cheat. Don’t know about u but I see in him a desperate leader trying to win a Test match for his country, his team. Yes, indeed, his methods were questionable but let’s not label him corrupt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BallTamperingScandal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BallTamperingScandal</a> <a href="https://t.co/xOxAM45QXM">pic.twitter.com/xOxAM45QXM</a></p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/979361080857235456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia. It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/978911311336747008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Several cricketers, analysts and presenters took to Twitter after Smith's heart-wrenching apology

Steve Smith is currently surrounded by a cyclone of controversies following the ball-tampering row. After his emotional media interaction on Thursday, a wave of sympathy has gathered in his support. Several cricketers, analysts and presenters took to Twitter after his heart-wrenching apology. Both Smith and vice-captain David Warner were banned for 12 months and Cameron Bancroft for nine months for ball-tampering during the third Test in Cape Town. Here are some Twitter reactions in Steve Smith's support: Absolutely disgraceful to everyone there.. can’t treat Steve smith like this @stevesmith49... u all are crazy pic.twitter.com/zGXgFWL9PP — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) March 29, 2018 × Hope in time I can earn forgiveness says Steve Smith. He has already got mine. Cricketers have done worse & never admitted their guilt.#StevenSmith — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 29, 2018 × ‘Good people make mistakes’ .. I honestly think Steve Smith & Cam Bancroft are decent guys who had a moment of madness .. they deserve a 2nd chance and hopefully get the right support around them now .. Takes a lot guts to do what they did today .. — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 29, 2018 × To err is human, but to own up isn't all that easy. Instead of sitting on moral high grounds let's give #SteveSmith credit for being honest & accepting his punishment. A captain takes more blame in a defeat and less credit in a win. Will await his return on the cricket field ? — Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) March 29, 2018 × I may be getting emotional but @stevesmith49 doesn’t look to me a cheat. Don’t know about u but I see in him a desperate leader trying to win a Test match for his country, his team. Yes, indeed, his methods were questionable but let’s not label him corrupt #BallTamperingScandal pic.twitter.com/xOxAM45QXM — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 29, 2018 × I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia. It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018 ×

Sourav Ganguly, Gautam Gambhir bat for Steve Smith

<p>South Africa captain Faf du Plessis on Friday won the toss and elected to bat in the 4th and final test against tainted Australia at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.</p>

<p>Th Proteas entered the ground with the same playing eleven as in the previous match, which witnessed many ups and downs, including the infamous ball-tampering scandal.</p>

<p>"We're looking to have a bat. It looks a little different to normal. A few cracks have started to appear and perhaps by the fourth day it should open up. It does definitely look browner and normally we do not even think of playing a spinner here. We've been extremely pumped ever since we lost the first Test and are aware that Australia will come back hard. No changes, we're playing the same eleven."</p>

<p>The match will be Morne Morkel‘s final Test of his cricketing career. Morkel had announced prior to the series that this would be his last as he wishes to focus on his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Australia, Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw, opening for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield final earlier this week, replaced David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.</p>

<p>And Peter Handscomb was included in Steven Smith's No. 4 position.</p>

<p>Tim Paine became Australia's 46th Test captain after Smith stepped down for the position.</p>

<p>In addition, fast bowler Chadd Sayers was given a debut in Australia's only unforced change of the Test, in place of Mitchell Starc, who has tibial bone stress in his right leg.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia (CA) slapped former skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner with one year-ban each for tampering with the ball in the third Test.</p>

<p>South Africa: 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Faf du Plessis (capt), 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Morne Morkel</p>

<p>Australia: 1 Joe Burns, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Peter Handscomb, 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Tim Paine (capt, wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Chadd Sayers, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood</p>


Tim Paine became Australia's 46th Test captain

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis on Friday won the toss and elected to bat in the 4th and final test against tainted Australia at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. Th Proteas entered the ground with the same playing eleven as in the previous match, which witnessed many ups and downs, including the infamous ball-tampering scandal. "We're looking to have a bat. It looks a little different to normal. A few cracks have started to appear and perhaps by the fourth day it should open up. It does definitely look browner and normally we do not even think of playing a spinner here. We've been extremely pumped ever since we lost the first Test and are aware that Australia will come back hard. No changes, we're playing the same eleven." The match will be Morne Morkel‘s final Test of his cricketing career. Morkel had announced prior to the series that this would be his last as he wishes to focus on his family. For Australia, Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw, opening for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield final earlier this week, replaced David Warner and Cameron Bancroft. And Peter Handscomb was included in Steven Smith's No. 4 position. Tim Paine became Australia's 46th Test captain after Smith stepped down for the position. In addition, fast bowler Chadd Sayers was given a debut in Australia's only unforced change of the Test, in place of Mitchell Starc, who has tibial bone stress in his right leg. Cricket Australia (CA) slapped former skipper Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner with one year-ban each for tampering with the ball in the third Test. South Africa: 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 Faf du Plessis (capt), 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Morne Morkel Australia: 1 Joe Burns, 2 Matt Renshaw, 3 Usman Khawaja, 4 Peter Handscomb, 5 Shaun Marsh, 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Tim Paine (capt, wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Chadd Sayers, 10 Nathan Lyon, 11 Josh Hazlewood

4th Test: South Africa win toss, opt to bat

<p>The legendary Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday urged the extended cricket fraternity to take a "step back and give some space" to the disgraced Australian trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft as they apologised for their involvement in ball tampering.</p>

<p>"They are regretting and hurting and will have to live with the consequences of their act. Spare a thought for their families as they have much to endure along with the players. Time for all of us to take a step back and give them some space," Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia banned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-teary-eyed-steve-smith-says-three-magical-words-i-am-sorry-127014">Steve Smith</a> and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.</p>

<p>Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row.</p>

<p>Also,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ball-tampering-row-darren-lehmann-quits-as-australia-coach-127087">Darren Lehmann</a> stepped down as Australian coach today after the ball-tampering scandal.</p>

<p>People on Twitter shared their two minds after Tendulkar's post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mr Tendulkar, with all due respect, when one is in a position of power and influence, along with the big money comes the humongous responsibility of doing the right thing. The tears are NOT for making a mistake, they are ONLY for getting caught.</p>
— Sandra A Thevar (@sandra1305) <a href="https://twitter.com/sandra1305/status/979378379550998529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Agreed ??</p>
— Sumit ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) (@iYourSubscriber) <a href="https://twitter.com/iYourSubscriber/status/979381520468070401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The master batsman and master wordsman. So well put.</p>
— kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/kunalkohli/status/979385025274699776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Feeling sad for him...love the way he plays...big fan....will miss watching him play live for 12 months <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a></p>
— Madhurjya Deka (@madhurjyajyoti2) <a href="https://twitter.com/madhurjyajyoti2/status/979378569984974848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sachin bhai, if you let out a criminal, he will go back to the crime.</p>
— K.Pradeep, Arbitration Consultant (@Pradeep21102682) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pradeep21102682/status/979378362027204609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday urged the extended cricket fraternity to take a "step back and give some space" to the disgraced Australian trio of Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft as they apologised for their involvement in ball tampering. "They are regretting and hurting and will have to live with the consequences of their act. Spare a thought for their families as they have much to endure along with the players. Time for all of us to take a step back and give them some space," Tendulkar wrote on his twitter handle. Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series. Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row. Also, Darren Lehmann stepped down as Australian coach today after the ball-tampering scandal. People on Twitter shared their two minds after Tendulkar's post. Mr Tendulkar, with all due respect, when one is in a position of power and influence, along with the big money comes the humongous responsibility of doing the right thing. The tears are NOT for making a mistake, they are ONLY for getting caught. — Sandra A Thevar (@sandra1305) March 29, 2018 × Agreed ?? — Sumit ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) (@iYourSubscriber) March 29, 2018 × The master batsman and master wordsman. So well put. — kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) March 29, 2018 × Feeling sad for him...love the way he plays...big fan....will miss watching him play live for 12 months #SteveSmith — Madhurjya Deka (@madhurjyajyoti2) March 29, 2018 × Sachin bhai, if you let out a criminal, he will go back to the crime. — K.Pradeep, Arbitration Consultant (@Pradeep21102682) March 29, 2018 ×

Take a step back and give them some space: Sachin Tendulkar over ball-tampering row

<p>Harsha Bhogle, a cricket analyst shared his thoughts on the "harsh" punishment given to Steve Smith and David Warner.</p>

<p>He said, "I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia."</p>

<p>He further added, "It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup."</p>

<p>He also said, "Haven't Australia made enough of a spectacle of Steve Smith? I'm blown by what he is being put through."</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia. It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/978911311336747008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I honestly do not believe any other country would have handed its captain and lead player a 12 month ban for attempted ball-tampering</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/978912076189044736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Haven't Australia made enough of a spectacle of Steve Smith? I'm blown by what he is being put through.</p>
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhogleharsha/status/979294065425637376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>Both the players have been banned as they were found guilty of changing the condition of the ball in the third Test match of a four-match series against South Africa.</p>

<p>Also, Cameron Bancroft has been ruled out from cricket related activities for 9 months.</p>


Cricket analyst, Harsha Bhogle, shared his thoughts on the 'harsh' punishment given to Steve Smith and David Warner

Harsha Bhogle, a cricket analyst shared his thoughts on the "harsh" punishment given to Steve Smith and David Warner. He said, "I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia." He further added, "It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup." He also said, "Haven't Australia made enough of a spectacle of Steve Smith? I'm blown by what he is being put through." I must admit 12 months is a very harsh ban. 6 months I thought was right but clearly this reflects the uproar in Australia. It means they miss the India series and have little time to get ready for the World Cup — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018 × I honestly do not believe any other country would have handed its captain and lead player a 12 month ban for attempted ball-tampering — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 28, 2018 × Haven't Australia made enough of a spectacle of Steve Smith? I'm blown by what he is being put through. — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) March 29, 2018 × Both the players have been banned as they were found guilty of changing the condition of the ball in the third Test match of a four-match series against South Africa. Also, Cameron Bancroft has been ruled out from cricket related activities for 9 months.

Harsha admits 12-months ban for Smith, Warner is 'harsh'

<p>Darren Lehmann has stepped down as Australian coach after the ball-tampering scandal.</p>

<p>The fourth Test match of&nbsp;the Australia-South Africa series -- which is scheduled to start from Friday at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg -- will be his last test as the Australian coach.</p>

<p>Darren Lehmann, coach of the scandal-tainted Australia cricket team, said on Thursday that he would quit after the fourth and final Test of a series in South Africa.</p>

<p>With teary eyes, coach Lehmann said, "This will be my last Test as head coach of the Australian cricket team."</p>

<p>He further added, "Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I have ever had to do."</p>

<p>Recently, Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.</p>

<p>Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row.</p>


The fourth Test match of the Australia-South Africa series will be his last test as the Australian coach

Darren Lehmann has stepped down as Australian coach after the ball-tampering scandal. The fourth Test match of the Australia-South Africa series -- which is scheduled to start from Friday at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg -- will be his last test as the Australian coach. Darren Lehmann, coach of the scandal-tainted Australia cricket team, said on Thursday that he would quit after the fourth and final Test of a series in South Africa. With teary eyes, coach Lehmann said, "This will be my last Test as head coach of the Australian cricket team." He further added, "Saying goodbye to the players was the toughest thing I have ever had to do." Recently, Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series. Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row.

Ball-tampering row: Darren Lehmann quits as Australia coach

<p>The ball-tampering row continued to tear Australian cricket apart after Australian media said coach Darren Lehmann will step down after the fourth Test against South Africa which begins on Friday in Johannesburg.</p>

<p>Recently, Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.</p>

<p>Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row.</p>

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The ball-tampering row continued to tear Australian cricket apart after Australian media said coach Darren Lehmann will step down after the fourth Test against South Africa which begins on Friday in Johannesburg. Recently, Cricket Australia banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series. Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row. ×

Darren Lehmann to step down as Australian coach: Reports

<p>Cricket Australia has banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series.</p>

<p>Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised and eventually handed out the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row.</p>

<p>In the statement of the investigation report, Cricket Australia has mentioned various points which includes how the future of the players is going to shape up.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/key-highlights-of-cricket-australia-statement-on-ball-tampering-investigation-126961">Key highlights of Cricket Australia statement on </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/key-highlights-of-cricket-australia-statement-on-ball-tampering-investigation-126961">ball-tampering</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/key-highlights-of-cricket-australia-statement-on-ball-tampering-investigation-126961"> investigation</a></strong></p>

<p>The report says, "Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket."</p>

<p><img alt="cricket australia.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="https://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/cricket%20australia.JPG" width="770" /></p>

<p>Smith and Bancroft will be given&nbsp;leadership roles only a year after they complete their tenure of punishments -- which means not before&nbsp;March 28, 2020.</p>

<p>They may resume playing cricket from March 29, 2019, but won't be considered for leadership roles until one year.</p>

<p>It further added, "Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group."</p>

<p>Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said, "These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers."</p>

<p>Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said, "I am satisfied that the sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events."</p>


Any leadership role, CA added, would be 'conditional on acceptance by fans and the public'

Cricket Australia has banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban has been given to Cameron Bancroft after the ball-tampering row which has engulfed the cricket world in the Australia-South Africa series. Following an investigation, Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland apologised and eventually handed out the punishments to the tarnished players in the wake of the ball-tampering row. In the statement of the investigation report, Cricket Australia has mentioned various points which includes how the future of the players is going to shape up. Key highlights of Cricket Australia statement on ball-tampering investigation The report says, "Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket." Smith and Bancroft will be given leadership roles only a year after they complete their tenure of punishments -- which means not before March 28, 2020. They may resume playing cricket from March 29, 2019, but won't be considered for leadership roles until one year. It further added, "Any consideration of future leadership would be conditional on acceptance by fans and the public, form and authority among the playing group." Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever said, "These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly. It is hoped that following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers." Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said, "I am satisfied that the sanctions in this case properly reflect a balance between the need to protect the integrity and reputation of the game and the need to maintain the possibility of redemption for the individuals involved, all of whom have learned difficult lessons through these events."

No leadership role for Smith, Bancroft for 1 year after ban ends: Cricket Australia

<p>The International Cricket Council is set to review its punishment for ball-tampering in light of the Australia cheating scandal, warning the game is in danger unless decisive action is taken.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia has banned Steve Smith and David Warner from international and domestic cricket for a year while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was exiled for nine months over the incident during the third Test in South Africa.</p>

<p>Under its current code of conduct, the ICC was unable to impose more than a full-match fine and a one-Test ban on Smith under its current code of conduct, unlike the more stringent penalty since levied by Cricket Australia.</p>

<p>"We've come to realise that the world -- not only Australia -- regards ball-tampering in a very serious light. It goes to the spirit of the game," said chief executive David Richardson.</p>

<p>"I must admit this has been an eye-opener for me personally. We need to look at the penalty imposed, specific to ball-tampering.</p>

<p>"Around the world, ball-tampering is considered cheating... I think we need to look at it again, and this is what has prompted this review."</p>

<p>Richardson said a wide-ranging review, likely to be informed by respected former players such as Allan Border, Anil Kumble, Shaun Pollock and Courtney Walsh, would be an opportunity to "draw a line in the sand" and address fans' concerns about how the game is played.</p>

<p>"The reaction all around the world shows us that if we neglect the way the game is played, cricket is itself in danger," he said.</p>

<p>"We are going to ignore (that) at our peril... we don't want to leave this lingering, and hope it will all go away."</p>

<p>Richardson, a former South African wicketkeeper, said cricket had been blighted by bad behaviour in recent weeks including ugly incidents of sledging, abusive language and now the ball-tampering episode.</p>

<p>"With the full support of the board, we'll be undertaking quite a wide-ranging review into player conduct -- and in particular the spirit in which the game is played," he said.</p>

<p>"We hope this review will develop that universal culture of what it means to play the game in the correct manner.</p>

<p>"We want member countries, across the board, to be more accountable for the behaviour of their players -- take responsibility for it. That applies to all teams, not only Australia."</p>


The International Cricket Council is set to review its punishment for ball-tampering in light of the Australia cheating scandal

The International Cricket Council is set to review its punishment for ball-tampering in light of the Australia cheating scandal, warning the game is in danger unless decisive action is taken. Cricket Australia has banned Steve Smith and David Warner from international and domestic cricket for a year while opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was exiled for nine months over the incident during the third Test in South Africa. Under its current code of conduct, the ICC was unable to impose more than a full-match fine and a one-Test ban on Smith under its current code of conduct, unlike the more stringent penalty since levied by Cricket Australia. "We've come to realise that the world -- not only Australia -- regards ball-tampering in a very serious light. It goes to the spirit of the game," said chief executive David Richardson. "I must admit this has been an eye-opener for me personally. We need to look at the penalty imposed, specific to ball-tampering. "Around the world, ball-tampering is considered cheating... I think we need to look at it again, and this is what has prompted this review." Richardson said a wide-ranging review, likely to be informed by respected former players such as Allan Border, Anil Kumble, Shaun Pollock and Courtney Walsh, would be an opportunity to "draw a line in the sand" and address fans' concerns about how the game is played. "The reaction all around the world shows us that if we neglect the way the game is played, cricket is itself in danger," he said. "We are going to ignore (that) at our peril... we don't want to leave this lingering, and hope it will all go away." Richardson, a former South African wicketkeeper, said cricket had been blighted by bad behaviour in recent weeks including ugly incidents of sledging, abusive language and now the ball-tampering episode. "With the full support of the board, we'll be undertaking quite a wide-ranging review into player conduct -- and in particular the spirit in which the game is played," he said. "We hope this review will develop that universal culture of what it means to play the game in the correct manner. "We want member countries, across the board, to be more accountable for the behaviour of their players -- take responsibility for it. That applies to all teams, not only Australia."

ICC to review punishment for ball-tampering

<p>Steve Smith, former Australian skipper, dissolved into tears while addressing the media on Thursday.</p>

<p>On Wednesday he was sent back to Australia from South Africa after facing a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.</p>

<p>During the interview, he lost control over his emotions and said, "I am sorry, I am absolutely gutted"</p>

<p>"To my knowledge its the first time under my leadership that ball-tampering has happened."</p>

<p>"I should not have allowed it to happen, I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership," he said before breaking down in tears.</p>

<p>"I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining kids. Anytime you think about making questionable decision think about your parents and loved ones. It hurts. I am sorry for the pain I've&nbsp;brought to australia."</p>

<p>He further added, "Hope in time I can earn my respect."</p>

<p>Distraught Australian cricket captain Steve Smith accepted full responsibility for a ball-tampering scandal that has shaken the sport, saying he was devastated by his "big mistake".</p>

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'I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership,' he Steve Smith before breaking down in tears

Steve Smith, former Australian skipper, dissolved into tears while addressing the media on Thursday. On Wednesday he was sent back to Australia from South Africa after facing a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal. During the interview, he lost control over his emotions and said, "I am sorry, I am absolutely gutted" "To my knowledge its the first time under my leadership that ball-tampering has happened." "I should not have allowed it to happen, I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership," he said before breaking down in tears. "I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining kids. Anytime you think about making questionable decision think about your parents and loved ones. It hurts. I am sorry for the pain I've brought to australia." He further added, "Hope in time I can earn my respect." Distraught Australian cricket captain Steve Smith accepted full responsibility for a ball-tampering scandal that has shaken the sport, saying he was devastated by his "big mistake". ×

Watch: Teary-eyed Steve Smith says three magical words, 'I am sorry'

<p>Cricket Australia has clearly mentioned in its statement that David Warner will not be considered for a leadership role in the Australian cricket team.</p>

<p>The report released by Cricket Australia says, "David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future."</p>

<p>Recently, CA banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban was given to Cameron Bancroft in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal which happened in the third Test of a four-match series between Australia and South Africa.</p>

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<h5>David Warner will never be considered for any leadership roles</h5>
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<p>After receiving preliminary findings, CA released a statement of an investigation. Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the cheating-trios in the wake of the ball-tampering row.</p>

<p>David Warner will never be considered for any leadership roles -- captain and vice-captain-- even after he completes a one-year ban.</p>

<p>Although Smith and Bancroft will be given leadership roles in the team only a year after they complete their tenure of punishments -- which means not before March 28, 2020.</p>

<p>The report says, "Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket."</p>

<p>They may resume playing cricket from March 29, 2019, but won't be considered for leadership roles until one year.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/no-leadership-role-for-smith-bancroft-for-1-year-after-ban-ends-cricket-australia-126965">No leadership role for Smith, Bancroft for 1 year after </a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/no-leadership-role-for-smith-bancroft-for-1-year-after-ban-ends-cricket-australia-126965">ban</a></strong><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/no-leadership-role-for-smith-bancroft-for-1-year-after-ban-ends-cricket-australia-126965"> ends: Cricket Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the report, "David Warner was charged with a breach of Article 2.3.5 of the CA Code of Conduct based on:</p>

<p>(a) development of a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball&nbsp</p>

<p>(b) instruction to a junior player to carry out a plan to take steps to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper&nbsp</p>

<p>(c) provision of advice to a junior player regarding how a ball could be artificially altered including demonstrating how it could be done&nbsp</p>

<p>(d) failure to take steps to seek to prevent the development and/or implementation of the plan&nbsp</p>

<p>(e) failure to report his knowledge of the plan at any time prior to or during the match&nbsp</p>

<p>(f) misleading Match Officials through the concealment of his knowledge of and involvement in the plan and</p>

<p>(g) failure to voluntarily report his knowledge of the plan after the match"</p>


Cricket Australia has clearly mentioned in its statement that David Warner will not be considered for a leadership role in the Australian cricket team

Cricket Australia has clearly mentioned in its statement that David Warner will not be considered for a leadership role in the Australian cricket team. The report released by Cricket Australia says, "David Warner will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future." Recently, CA banned Steve Smith and David Warner for 12 months and a 9-month ban was given to Cameron Bancroft in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal which happened in the third Test of a four-match series between Australia and South Africa. David Warner will never be considered for any leadership roles × After receiving preliminary findings, CA released a statement of an investigation. Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced the punishments to the cheating-trios in the wake of the ball-tampering row. David Warner will never be considered for any leadership roles -- captain and vice-captain-- even after he completes a one-year ban. Although Smith and Bancroft will be given leadership roles in the team only a year after they complete their tenure of punishments -- which means not before March 28, 2020. The report says, "Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will not be considered for team leadership positions until a minimum of 12 months after the conclusion of their respective suspensions from international and domestic cricket." They may resume playing cricket from March 29, 2019, but won't be considered for leadership roles until one year. No leadership role for Smith, Bancroft for 1 year after ban ends: Cricket Australia According to the report, "David Warner was charged with a breach of Article 2.3.5 of the CA Code of Conduct based on: (a) development of a plan to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball (b) instruction to a junior player to carry out a plan to take steps to attempt to artificially alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper (c) provision of advice to a junior player regarding how a ball could be artificially altered including demonstrating how it could be done (d) failure to take steps to seek to prevent the development and/or implementation of the plan (e) failure to report his knowledge of the plan at any time prior to or during the match (f) misleading Match Officials through the concealment of his knowledge of and involvement in the plan and (g) failure to voluntarily report his knowledge of the plan after the match"

David Warner will never get leadership role: Cricket Australia

<p>Coach Darren Lehmann appears to have survived the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket, even as the win-at-all-costs mentality he instilled in the team comes under fresh scrutiny.</p>

<p>Lehmann was hailed as a saviour when he took over in 2013, but critics now accuse him of overseeing a toxic culture that has dented the reputation of the famed Baggy Green cap.</p>

<p>After being appointed, Lehmann's response when asked to list his top three priorities was telling:&nbsp</p>

<p>"Probably win, win, win, for a start," he told reporters.</p>

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<p>Cricket Australia (CA) had other ideas when it gave him the job.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Discipline, consistency of behaviour and accountability for performance are all key ingredients that need to improve," chief executive James Sutherland said at the time.</p>

<p>"And we see that the head coach is ultimately responsible for that."</p>

<p>If part of Lehmann's brief was to improve the Australian team's behaviour, there is little doubt he has failed.</p>

<p><strong>'Out of control'</strong><br />
Players were once considered role models for children, but the situation has become so bad that CA is setting up an independent review into the team's conduct and culture.</p>

<p>Even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in to criticise the practice of sledging -- taunting opponents verbally with the aim of distracting them.</p>

<p>"It has gotten right out of control. It should have no place," Turnbull told reporters this week, lamenting the demise of a sport once regarded as the epitome of fair play.</p>

<p>CA insists Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the plot to doctor the ball in the third Test against the Proteas.</p>

<p>But Australian Broadcasting Corporation senior cricket commentator Jim Maxwell said the coach had to accept some blame for an "arrogant" team culture where some players felt cheating was preferable to losing honourably.</p>

<p>"He's done a very good job with the side but has a very narrow view of the way players should conduct themselves," Maxwell said.</p>

<p>"Teams can no longer get away with being in the face of the opposition in the way they have in recent years."</p>

<p><strong>Boof and the boys</strong><br />
Lehmann became national coach in dramatic circumstances after Australia sacked the first foreigner to hold the post, Mickey Arthur, on the eve of the Ashes.</p>

<p>A respected former batsman who played 27 Tests and 117 one-dayers for Australia, he was seen as an antidote to the disciplinarian Arthur.</p>

<p>Whereas his South African predecessor asked players to provide written self assessments, Lehmann was an insider who had come through the Australian ranks.</p>

<p>A clue to his knockabout appeal lies in his nickname "Boof", short for boofhead -- Australian slang for an amiable prankster, one of the boys in the dressing room.</p>

<p>"It's important to talk about the game whether it's with a beer or a Diet Coke," Lehmann said after taking the job.</p>

<p>Australia lost Lehmann's first Ashes series in charge but later in 2013, after he had stamped his mark on the team, they crushed England 5-0 in ruthless fashion.</p>

<p>While the plaudits rained down, there was also discomfort among some Australian fans at their team's conduct, particularly Lehmann's baiting of England paceman Stuart Broad.</p>

<p>"I hope the Australian public give it to him (Broad) right from the word go for the whole summer and I hope he cries and goes home," he said in a taunting tone not heard before from an Australian coach.</p>

<p>It was a dark side Lehmann also displayed as a player in 2003, when he yelled a racial insult in the dressing room after being dismissed in a one-day international against Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>Under Lehmann, unsavoury antics have become common as players took the Steve Waugh-era goal of "mental disintegration" and turbo-charged it with vitriol.</p>

<p>It has become such a part of the game-plan that before the current tour of South Africa, the Australians asked host broadcasters to turn down the stumps mic between balls so their jibes would not be recorded.</p>

<p>The Australians have been successful under Lehmann, with a Test record of 30 wins, 19 losses and eight draws under his stewardship.</p>

<p>But as Cricket Australia has belatedly acknowledged with its culture review, winning is not everything and changes are needed in the dressing room, with or without Lehmann.</p>


Lehmann was hailed as a saviour when he took over in 2013, but critics now accuse him of overseeing a toxic culture that has dented the reputation of the famed Baggy Green cap

Coach Darren Lehmann appears to have survived the ball-tampering scandal that has rocked Australian cricket, even as the win-at-all-costs mentality he instilled in the team comes under fresh scrutiny. Lehmann was hailed as a saviour when he took over in 2013, but critics now accuse him of overseeing a toxic culture that has dented the reputation of the famed Baggy Green cap. After being appointed, Lehmann's response when asked to list his top three priorities was telling: "Probably win, win, win, for a start," he told reporters. 'Probably win, win, win, for a start,' Lehmann told reporters when he was asked, after he had been appointed coach, what his priorities were × Cricket Australia (CA) had other ideas when it gave him the job. "Discipline, consistency of behaviour and accountability for performance are all key ingredients that need to improve," chief executive James Sutherland said at the time. "And we see that the head coach is ultimately responsible for that." If part of Lehmann's brief was to improve the Australian team's behaviour, there is little doubt he has failed. 'Out of control' Players were once considered role models for children, but the situation has become so bad that CA is setting up an independent review into the team's conduct and culture. Even Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has weighed in to criticise the practice of sledging -- taunting opponents verbally with the aim of distracting them. "It has gotten right out of control. It should have no place," Turnbull told reporters this week, lamenting the demise of a sport once regarded as the epitome of fair play. CA insists Lehmann had no prior knowledge of the plot to doctor the ball in the third Test against the Proteas. But Australian Broadcasting Corporation senior cricket commentator Jim Maxwell said the coach had to accept some blame for an "arrogant" team culture where some players felt cheating was preferable to losing honourably. "He's done a very good job with the side but has a very narrow view of the way players should conduct themselves," Maxwell said. "Teams can no longer get away with being in the face of the opposition in the way they have in recent years." Boof and the boys Lehmann became national coach in dramatic circumstances after Australia sacked the first foreigner to hold the post, Mickey Arthur, on the eve of the Ashes. A respected former batsman who played 27 Tests and 117 one-dayers for Australia, he was seen as an antidote to the disciplinarian Arthur. Whereas his South African predecessor asked players to provide written self assessments, Lehmann was an insider who had come through the Australian ranks. A clue to his knockabout appeal lies in his nickname "Boof", short for boofhead -- Australian slang for an amiable prankster, one of the boys in the dressing room. "It's important to talk about the game whether it's with a beer or a Diet Coke," Lehmann said after taking the job. Australia lost Lehmann's first Ashes series in charge but later in 2013, after he had stamped his mark on the team, they crushed England 5-0 in ruthless fashion. While the plaudits rained down, there was also discomfort among some Australian fans at their team's conduct, particularly Lehmann's baiting of England paceman Stuart Broad. "I hope the Australian public give it to him (Broad) right from the word go for the whole summer and I hope he cries and goes home," he said in a taunting tone not heard before from an Australian coach. It was a dark side Lehmann also displayed as a player in 2003, when he yelled a racial insult in the dressing room after being dismissed in a one-day international against Sri Lanka. Under Lehmann, unsavoury antics have become common as players took the Steve Waugh-era goal of "mental disintegration" and turbo-charged it with vitriol. It has become such a part of the game-plan that before the current tour of South Africa, the Australians asked host broadcasters to turn down the stumps mic between balls so their jibes would not be recorded. The Australians have been successful under Lehmann, with a Test record of 30 wins, 19 losses and eight draws under his stewardship. But as Cricket Australia has belatedly acknowledged with its culture review, winning is not everything and changes are needed in the dressing room, with or without Lehmann.

Win, win, win: How the Lehmann ethos hurt Australian cricket

<p>A hilarious rap video has gone viral on Twitter since the ball-tampering scandal has surfaced and baffled the cricket fraternity.</p>

<p>The lyrics in the video focuses on the ball-tampering incident that happened the in the third Test match of a four-match series between Australia and South Africa.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Full credit to Australians back in Australia. <a href="https://t.co/DIhUXxuQrs">pic.twitter.com/DIhUXxuQrs</a></p>
— Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) <a href="https://twitter.com/followthebounce/status/978310671359205377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Australian fallen star skipper, Steve Smith admitted to altering the condition as batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught in the camera when he took out a yellow-colored sandpaper from his pocket and scrubbed on the ball to increase the roughness of one side of the ball.</p>

<p>Steve Smith has been trapped in a cyclone of controversies and was booed by the South African fans when he entered to play in the second innings. He scored only seven runs off twenty balls.</p>

<p>Smith along with former vice-captain, David Warner has been given one-year ban in the wake of ball-tampering controversy and&nbsp;Bancroft has been ruled out for 9 months.</p>

<p>After the Cricket Australia's report, BCCI also snubbed Smith and Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian&nbsp;Premier League.</p>


A hilarious rap video has gone viral on Twitter since the ball-tampering scandal has surfaced and baffled the cricket fraternity

A hilarious rap video has gone viral on Twitter since the ball-tampering scandal has surfaced and baffled the cricket fraternity. The lyrics in the video focuses on the ball-tampering incident that happened the in the third Test match of a four-match series between Australia and South Africa. Watch the video here: Full credit to Australians back in Australia. pic.twitter.com/DIhUXxuQrs — Ben Karpinski (@followthebounce) March 26, 2018 × Australian fallen star skipper, Steve Smith admitted to altering the condition as batsman Cameron Bancroft was caught in the camera when he took out a yellow-colored sandpaper from his pocket and scrubbed on the ball to increase the roughness of one side of the ball. Steve Smith has been trapped in a cyclone of controversies and was booed by the South African fans when he entered to play in the second innings. He scored only seven runs off twenty balls. Smith along with former vice-captain, David Warner has been given one-year ban in the wake of ball-tampering controversy and Bancroft has been ruled out for 9 months. After the Cricket Australia's report, BCCI also snubbed Smith and Warner from the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League.

Watch: Now, rappers take a dig at Steve Smith & Co

<p>David Warner has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after the ball-tampering row which happened in the third test match of ongoing series between South Africa and Australia.</p>

<p>Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. Under Warner's captaincy, The Orange army has claimed the IPL trophy in 2016.</p>

<p>According to the statement released by the franchise, David Warner voluntarily quit the captaincy.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly.” – K.Shanmugam, CEO, SunRisers Hyderabad</p>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/978878109876391936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2018</a></blockquote>

<p>The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, K.Shanmugam said, "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly." The franchise is yet to name a replacement captain but the possible prospects for the captainship are Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson.</p>

<p>A few days back, Steve Smith also had stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2018 IPL season after his confession of altering the ball in order to change the condition.</p>

<p>"We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines," he further added.</p>

<p>"We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry, Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision.</p>

<p>Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry."</p>


Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League

David Warner has stepped down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after the ball-tampering row which happened in the third test match of ongoing series between South Africa and Australia. Warner was retained by the franchise at an amount of INR 12.5 Cr for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League. Under Warner's captaincy, The Orange army has claimed the IPL trophy in 2016. According to the statement released by the franchise, David Warner voluntarily quit the captaincy. “In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly.” – K.Shanmugam, CEO, SunRisers Hyderabad — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 28, 2018 The CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad, K.Shanmugam said, "In light of recent events, David Warner has stepped down as captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad. The new captain of the Team will be announced shortly." The franchise is yet to name a replacement captain but the possible prospects for the captainship are Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson. A few days back, Steve Smith also had stepped down as captain of Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming 2018 IPL season after his confession of altering the ball in order to change the condition. "We were waiting for Cricket Australia's report. We have already written to them and we are expecting their written reply. The moment it comes, we will be deciding about it," said IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines," he further added. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry, Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. Sukla further said that there is enough time for the edition to start and hence they want every angle of Smith's to be investigated before they take any decision. "We want everything to be investigated. There are certain provisions in our player regulations, accordingly, we will decide. Our league is going to commence from April 7 so there is no hurry."

IPL 2018: David Warner steps down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain after ball-tampering scandal

<p>Trevor Chappell is possibly the only Australian cricketer past or present to have found a positive in the ball-tampering scandal that has engulfed the country, relieving him of an unwanted notoriety he assumed 37 years ago.</p>

<p>With one ball remaining in the third one-day final of the 1981 World Series Cup and New Zealand needing six runs to tie, Chappell was instructed by his brother and Australian captain Greg to bowl underarm.</p>

<p>Trevor rolled the ball along the pitch to prevent Kiwi tail-ender Brian Mckechnie clearing the fence about 90 metres away.</p>

<p>"I thought it was a good idea to underarm bowl at the time but not these days," Trevor told Daily Telegraph. "I struggled a lot with it mentally. I was vilified for years and people will still ask about it."</p>

<p>The incident was marked as the biggest scar on the reputation of Australian cricket and Trevor said it had taken a mental toll on him and cost him his marriage.</p>

<p>"I don`t know if my brothers have done better in life than me after what happened. Greg copped it at the time, but the quiet life certainly chose me after that," the 65-year-old said.<br />
<br />
"My marriage broke down and I never remarried or had kids. These days all I do is coach cricket to kids and play golf."&nbsp</p>

<p>In the wake of the recent ball-tampering controversy in the third test against South Africa in Cape Town, he said skipper Steve Smith, vice captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft may have to deal with the consequences for the rest of the lives.</p>

<p>"They`ll have to live with what they`ve done forever. Whether it haunts them for the rest of their lives is down to them but I haven`t been able to shake off what happened to me in 37 years," Trevor said.&nbsp</p>

<p>"What I did has lived with me ever since and it will be the same for Smith and Bancroft.</p>

<p>"They will struggle for the rest of their lives and be known as the ones who brought Australian cricket into disrepute."</p>

<p>But Trevor admitted he was pleased to no longer be the main villain in the history of Australian cricket.</p>

<p>"I`m the one who comes up on Google as the man who took the lead role in Australian cricket`s darkest day -- it`s a real relief I can finally drop that title," he added.</p>


Trevor is possibly the only Australian cricketer past or present to have found a positive in the ball-tampering scandal that has engulfed the country

Trevor Chappell is possibly the only Australian cricketer past or present to have found a positive in the ball-tampering scandal that has engulfed the country, relieving him of an unwanted notoriety he assumed 37 years ago. With one ball remaining in the third one-day final of the 1981 World Series Cup and New Zealand needing six runs to tie, Chappell was instructed by his brother and Australian captain Greg to bowl underarm. Trevor rolled the ball along the pitch to prevent Kiwi tail-ender Brian Mckechnie clearing the fence about 90 metres away. "I thought it was a good idea to underarm bowl at the time but not these days," Trevor told Daily Telegraph. "I struggled a lot with it mentally. I was vilified for years and people will still ask about it." The incident was marked as the biggest scar on the reputation of Australian cricket and Trevor said it had taken a mental toll on him and cost him his marriage. "I don`t know if my brothers have done better in life than me after what happened. Greg copped it at the time, but the quiet life certainly chose me after that," the 65-year-old said. "My marriage broke down and I never remarried or had kids. These days all I do is coach cricket to kids and play golf." In the wake of the recent ball-tampering controversy in the third test against South Africa in Cape Town, he said skipper Steve Smith, vice captain David Warner and Cameron Bancroft may have to deal with the consequences for the rest of the lives. "They`ll have to live with what they`ve done forever. Whether it haunts them for the rest of their lives is down to them but I haven`t been able to shake off what happened to me in 37 years," Trevor said. "What I did has lived with me ever since and it will be the same for Smith and Bancroft. "They will struggle for the rest of their lives and be known as the ones who brought Australian cricket into disrepute." But Trevor admitted he was pleased to no longer be the main villain in the history of Australian cricket. "I`m the one who comes up on Google as the man who took the lead role in Australian cricket`s darkest day -- it`s a real relief I can finally drop that title," he added.

'Underarm' bowler Chappell expects Australia's Smith to be haunted forever

<p>The ugliest side of Australian cricket was seen in the thirst Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday when Australian skipper admitted to&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-banned-for-one-test-fined-100-match-fee-icc-37030">altering the condition</a>&nbspof the ball.</p>

<p>Australian batsman&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-banned-for-one-test-fined-100-match-fee-icc-37030">Cameron Bancroft</a>&nbspwas caught in the camera when he took out a yellow-colored substance from his pocket and applied on the ball to increase the roughness of one side of the ball.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-banned-for-one-test-fined-100-match-fee-icc-37030">Steve Smith</a>&nbsphas been trapped in a cyclone of controversies and was booed by the South African fans when he entered to play in the second innings. He scored only seven runs off twenty balls.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aussies blatantly ball tampering? Let’s see what Steve Smith and the Boys have to say now <a href="https://twitter.com/ShaneWarne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShaneWarne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BumbleCricket?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BumbleCricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsSA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/aOsbW4Lh1K">pic.twitter.com/aOsbW4Lh1K</a></p>
— Shaylin Perumal (@AngryShaylin) <a href="https://twitter.com/AngryShaylin/status/977529362101735425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>For the deliberate intention of ball tampering, ICC has slapped Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft with a one-match ban and fined 75% of match fee.</p>

<p>In the wake of the ball-tampering controversy, Steve Smith had stepped down as the captain of the Australian cricket team also Vice-captain David Warner also agreed to step down from his position.</p>

<p>Steve Smith even&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-ajinkya-rahane-to-lead-rajasthan-after-smith-steps-down-as-captain-over-ball-tampering-admission-37120">quit as the captain of Rajasthan Royals</a>&nbspand the position is taken over by Ajinkya Rahane. Though, it is still not clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not.</p>

<p>Smith was a part of the Rajasthan Royals in 2014 and 2015 and was the only player retained by the franchise.</p>


Steve Smith has been trapped in a cyclone of controversies and was booed by the South African fans when he entered to play in the second innings of 3rd Test match against South Africa

The ugliest side of Australian cricket was seen in the thirst Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday when Australian skipper admitted to altering the condition&nbspof the ball. Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft&nbspwas caught in the camera when he took out a yellow-colored substance from his pocket and applied on the ball to increase the roughness of one side of the ball. Steve Smith&nbsphas been trapped in a cyclone of controversies and was booed by the South African fans when he entered to play in the second innings. He scored only seven runs off twenty balls. Watch the video here: Aussies blatantly ball tampering? Let’s see what Steve Smith and the Boys have to say now @ShaneWarne @BumbleCricket #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/aOsbW4Lh1K — Shaylin Perumal (@AngryShaylin) March 24, 2018 × For the deliberate intention of ball tampering, ICC has slapped Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft with a one-match ban and fined 75% of match fee. In the wake of the ball-tampering controversy, Steve Smith had stepped down as the captain of the Australian cricket team also Vice-captain David Warner also agreed to step down from his position. Steve Smith even quit as the captain of Rajasthan Royals&nbspand the position is taken over by Ajinkya Rahane. Though, it is still not clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not. Smith was a part of the Rajasthan Royals in 2014 and 2015 and was the only player retained by the franchise.

Watch: How Cameron Bancroft tampered the ball on Steve Smith's orders in 3rd Test against the Proteas

<p>Ali Bacher, the last South Africa skipper to win a series against Australia in the republic, says disgraced captain Steve Smith and his ball-tampering team are "incredibly stupid".</p>

<p>Bacher led South Africa to a 4-0 whitewash over Bobby Simpson-skippered Australia in the 1969-1970 season.</p>

<p>"In this age of a thousand cameras, it was stupid to even think of doing it (ball tampering), and incredibly stupid to go through with it," he told the South African media.</p>

<p>TV cameras caught Cameron Bancroft trying to change the condition of the ball last Saturday in Cape Town using a piece of grit-encrusted sticky tape during a Test won by South Africa.</p>

<p>Smith later admitted he hatched the plot to cheat with the unnamed "team leadership" and is now facing disciplinary action, possibly later Tuesday.</p>

<p>Reports say Smith and vice-captain David Warner could be banned for 12 months and sent home in disgrace.</p>

<p>"You have to put the blame on the captain and I believe Cricket Australia will think long and hard about taking it further than the one-Test ban Smith has already got," said Bacher.</p>

<p>"I feel sorry for Cameron Bancroft because he would have been acting under instructions. If the leader of the team says you must do that, what option do you really have?</p>

<p>"One thing that they (Cricket Australia) have always done is act immediately on things like this.</p>

<p>"You look back at Shane Warne, who had a brilliant cricket brain but never got the captaincy because of his misdemeanours.</p>

<p>"I would be surprised if Cricket Australia did not take this further," he said ahead of a planned media conference in Johannesburg hosted by Australian cricket boss James Sutherland.</p>

<p>South Africa lead the series 2-1 going into the final Test from Friday at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


"I would be surprised if Cricket Australia did not take this further," says Ali Bacher

Ali Bacher, the last South Africa skipper to win a series against Australia in the republic, says disgraced captain Steve Smith and his ball-tampering team are "incredibly stupid". Bacher led South Africa to a 4-0 whitewash over Bobby Simpson-skippered Australia in the 1969-1970 season. "In this age of a thousand cameras, it was stupid to even think of doing it (ball tampering), and incredibly stupid to go through with it," he told the South African media. TV cameras caught Cameron Bancroft trying to change the condition of the ball last Saturday in Cape Town using a piece of grit-encrusted sticky tape during a Test won by South Africa. Smith later admitted he hatched the plot to cheat with the unnamed "team leadership" and is now facing disciplinary action, possibly later Tuesday. Reports say Smith and vice-captain David Warner could be banned for 12 months and sent home in disgrace. "You have to put the blame on the captain and I believe Cricket Australia will think long and hard about taking it further than the one-Test ban Smith has already got," said Bacher. "I feel sorry for Cameron Bancroft because he would have been acting under instructions. If the leader of the team says you must do that, what option do you really have? "One thing that they (Cricket Australia) have always done is act immediately on things like this. "You look back at Shane Warne, who had a brilliant cricket brain but never got the captaincy because of his misdemeanours. "I would be surprised if Cricket Australia did not take this further," he said ahead of a planned media conference in Johannesburg hosted by Australian cricket boss James Sutherland. South Africa lead the series 2-1 going into the final Test from Friday at the Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg.

Australia 'incredibly stupid' - ex-South Africa skipper Ali Bacher

<p>Australian cricket players Steve Smith and David Warner could be staring at a possible life ban, news reports said Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The duo had stepped down as captain and vice-captain of the Australian team on Sunday, after a stunning&nbsp;ball-tampering admission by Smith.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ICC has slapped the duo with a one-match ban and fined Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft — who did the actual tampering, against&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-rout-embattled-australia-by-322-runs-in-third-test-37042" target="_blank">South Africa</a>&nbsp;— 75% of his match fee.</p>

<p>The bans and the fine have been called "very lenient"&nbsp;by&nbsp;a number of people:&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">wow <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ICC</a> wow. Great treatment nd FairPlay. No ban for Bancroft with all the evidences whereas 6 of us were banned for excessive appealing in South Africa 2001 without any evidence and Remember Sydney 2008? Not found guilty and banned for 3 matches.different people different rules</p>
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/977911377447677953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>But there has been tremendous fallout back home in Australia. With Prime Minister Malcolm Turbull wondering how the team could have cheated — "It beggars belief," he said — and the media pillorying the team's "rotten" culture under its current leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And the news reports Monday quoted anonymous sources in Cricket Australia, which is investigating the incident, as saying the team's "leadership group" could be slapped with exemplary punishment, which could be as severe as a life ban.&nbsp;</p>


The ICC has slapped the duo with a one-match ban but news reports quoted Cricket Australia sources as saying the duo could be hit with 'exemplary punishment'

Australian cricket players Steve Smith and David Warner could be staring at a possible life ban, news reports said Monday. The duo had stepped down as captain and vice-captain of the Australian team on Sunday, after a stunning ball-tampering admission by Smith. The ICC has slapped the duo with a one-match ban and fined Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft — who did the actual tampering, against South Africa — 75% of his match fee. The bans and the fine have been called "very lenient" by a number of people: wow @ICC wow. Great treatment nd FairPlay. No ban for Bancroft with all the evidences whereas 6 of us were banned for excessive appealing in South Africa 2001 without any evidence and Remember Sydney 2008? Not found guilty and banned for 3 matches.different people different rules — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 25 March 2018 × But there has been tremendous fallout back home in Australia. With Prime Minister Malcolm Turbull wondering how the team could have cheated — "It beggars belief," he said — and the media pillorying the team's "rotten" culture under its current leadership. And the news reports Monday quoted anonymous sources in Cricket Australia, which is investigating the incident, as saying the team's "leadership group" could be slapped with exemplary punishment, which could be as severe as a life ban.

Steve Smith, David Warner facing possible life bans

<p>Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.</p>

<p>Smith insisted he will not quit after teammate Cameron Bancroft was caught using a yellow object to alter the condition of the ball on Saturday&#39;s third day of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands.</p>

<p>But the matter could yet be taken out of Smith&#39;s hands after Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed Sunday that they were sending a team led by their head of integrity to Cape Town to investigate the scandal before deciding on a course of action.</p>

<p>CA chief executive James Sutherland said they were &quot;extremely disappointed and shocked&quot;, but added that the governing body wanted to get a clearer picture of the facts before making any decisions and for now Smith would remain captain.</p>

<p>&quot;I understand that that is not necessarily the fullness of response that everyone is looking for right now. But you will appreciate that there&#39;s an element of process that needs to be undertaken here,&quot; Sutherland told reporters in Melbourne.</p>

<p>&quot;We will work very hard over the next couple of days to get to the bottom of it -- to understand the big picture, to understand the detail and to be making further comment on that in due course.&quot;</p>

<p><strong>&#39;Big mistake&#39;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Smith said after play Saturday he would not quit. &quot;I still think I&#39;m the right person for the job,&quot; he told reporters.</p>

<p>But calls were growing for the 28-year-old to stand down after he admitted he was the mastermind of the premeditated plan hatched during the lunch break.</p>

<p>&quot;The leadership group knew about it. We spoke about it at lunch. I&#39;m not proud of what happened. It&#39;s not in the spirit of the game,&quot; said Smith who took over the captaincy from Michael Clarke in 2015.</p>

<p>&quot;Obviously today was a big mistake on my behalf and the leadership group&#39;s behalf as well, but I take responsibility.&quot;</p>

<p>Television footage showed Bancroft, 25, take a yellow object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session and appearing to rub it on the ball.</p>

<p>&quot;I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be accountable for my actions,&quot; said the opening batsman.</p>

<p>Smith insisted that coach Darren Lehmann was not part of the conspiracy even though footage appeared to show the coach sending a message onto the field with 12th man Peter Handscomb after the first footage of the incident.</p>

<p><strong>&#39;Premeditated move to cheat&#39;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>&quot;The coach isn&#39;t involved. It was purely the leadership group and the players came up with this,&quot; added Smith, who is playing in the 64th Test of a career which has yielded more than 6,000 runs.</p>

<p>After being shown on the big screen, to boos from the crowd, Bancroft appeared to hide down his trousers what was later revealed to be yellow sticky tape used to pick up abrasive dirt from the pitch.</p>

<p>&quot;I was sighted on the screen and that resulted in me shoving it down my trousers. I panicked quite a lot,&quot; said Bancroft.<br />
The umpires took no action on the field but Bancroft said he had met with the match officials after play and faced a charge of attempting to change the condition of the ball.</p>

<p>&quot;We had a discussion during the break. On myself I saw an opportunity to use some yellow tape and the granules from the rough patches of the wicket to change the condition of the ball,&quot; said Bancroft who is playing in his eighth Test.</p>

<p>Asked whether Australia had used similar methods in previous matches, Smith said: &quot;You can ask questions as much as you like but I can promise you this is the first time it has happened. I&#39;ve made it clear it is regrettable and we move on from this and hopefully will learn something from this.&quot;</p>

<p>The scandal provoked widespread condemnation by former players.</p>

<p>&quot;This was a premeditated move by the Australian captain to cheat,&quot; said former England skipper Nasser Hussain.</p>

<p>Australian leg-spin legend Shane Warne added: &quot;I feel a bit for Cameron Bancroft because I don&#39;t think he&#39;s taken it upon himself to do something and put it in his pocket.&quot;</p>

<p>The four-match series, which has been plagued by bust-ups between the two teams, is locked at 1-1 and South Africa finished the third day in a strong position, 294 runs ahead with five wickets in hand.</p>


Smith insisted he will not quit after teammate Cameron Bancroft was caught using a yellow object to alter the condition of the ball on day 3 of the third Test against South Africa. Smith admitted to being the chief plotter in the ball tampering

Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe. Smith insisted he will not quit after teammate Cameron Bancroft was caught using a yellow object to alter the condition of the ball on Saturday's third day of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands. But the matter could yet be taken out of Smith's hands after Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed Sunday that they were sending a team led by their head of integrity to Cape Town to investigate the scandal before deciding on a course of action. CA chief executive James Sutherland said they were "extremely disappointed and shocked", but added that the governing body wanted to get a clearer picture of the facts before making any decisions and for now Smith would remain captain. "I understand that that is not necessarily the fullness of response that everyone is looking for right now. But you will appreciate that there's an element of process that needs to be undertaken here," Sutherland told reporters in Melbourne. "We will work very hard over the next couple of days to get to the bottom of it -- to understand the big picture, to understand the detail and to be making further comment on that in due course." 'Big mistake' Smith said after play Saturday he would not quit. "I still think I'm the right person for the job," he told reporters. But calls were growing for the 28-year-old to stand down after he admitted he was the mastermind of the premeditated plan hatched during the lunch break. "The leadership group knew about it. We spoke about it at lunch. I'm not proud of what happened. It's not in the spirit of the game," said Smith who took over the captaincy from Michael Clarke in 2015. "Obviously today was a big mistake on my behalf and the leadership group's behalf as well, but I take responsibility." Television footage showed Bancroft, 25, take a yellow object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session and appearing to rub it on the ball. "I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be accountable for my actions," said the opening batsman. Smith insisted that coach Darren Lehmann was not part of the conspiracy even though footage appeared to show the coach sending a message onto the field with 12th man Peter Handscomb after the first footage of the incident. 'Premeditated move to cheat' "The coach isn't involved. It was purely the leadership group and the players came up with this," added Smith, who is playing in the 64th Test of a career which has yielded more than 6,000 runs. After being shown on the big screen, to boos from the crowd, Bancroft appeared to hide down his trousers what was later revealed to be yellow sticky tape used to pick up abrasive dirt from the pitch. "I was sighted on the screen and that resulted in me shoving it down my trousers. I panicked quite a lot," said Bancroft. The umpires took no action on the field but Bancroft said he had met with the match officials after play and faced a charge of attempting to change the condition of the ball. "We had a discussion during the break. On myself I saw an opportunity to use some yellow tape and the granules from the rough patches of the wicket to change the condition of the ball," said Bancroft who is playing in his eighth Test. Asked whether Australia had used similar methods in previous matches, Smith said: "You can ask questions as much as you like but I can promise you this is the first time it has happened. I've made it clear it is regrettable and we move on from this and hopefully will learn something from this." The scandal provoked widespread condemnation by former players. "This was a premeditated move by the Australian captain to cheat," said former England skipper Nasser Hussain. Australian leg-spin legend Shane Warne added: "I feel a bit for Cameron Bancroft because I don't think he's taken it upon himself to do something and put it in his pocket." The four-match series, which has been plagued by bust-ups between the two teams, is locked at 1-1 and South Africa finished the third day in a strong position, 294 runs ahead with five wickets in hand.

Australia captain Steve Smith fights to save job after ball-tampering admission

<p>South Africa routed embattled Australia by 322 runs to win the third Test on a black day for the sport on Sunday which saw Australian skipper Steve Smith banned for ball-tampering.</p>

<p>Set 430 to win, Australia were skittled out for just 107 late on the fourth day at Newlands.</p>

<p>Smith stood down as captain for the remainder of the match earlier Sunday after admitting being the instigator of the ball-tampering plot which rocked cricket.</p>

<p>He was then handed a one-match ban by the ICC for his role in the scandal.</p>

<p>Brief scores:</p>

<p>South Africa 311 and 373 (A. Markram 84, A. de Villiers 63, Q. de Kock 65, V. Philander 52 not out; J. Hazlewood 3-69, P. Cummins 3-67, N. Lyon 3-102) v Australia 255 and 107 (D. Warner 32; M. Morkel 5-23).</p>

<p>Result: South Africa won by 322 runs</p>

<p>Series: South Africa lead the four-match series 2-1</p>

<p>Toss: South Africa</p>


South Africa routed embattled Australia by 322 runs to win the third Test on a black day for the sport on Sunday which saw Australian skipper Steve Smith banned for ball-tampering

South Africa routed embattled Australia by 322 runs to win the third Test on a black day for the sport on Sunday which saw Australian skipper Steve Smith banned for ball-tampering. Set 430 to win, Australia were skittled out for just 107 late on the fourth day at Newlands. Smith stood down as captain for the remainder of the match earlier Sunday after admitting being the instigator of the ball-tampering plot which rocked cricket. He was then handed a one-match ban by the ICC for his role in the scandal. Brief scores: South Africa 311 and 373 (A. Markram 84, A. de Villiers 63, Q. de Kock 65, V. Philander 52 not out; J. Hazlewood 3-69, P. Cummins 3-67, N. Lyon 3-102) v Australia 255 and 107 (D. Warner 32; M. Morkel 5-23). Result: South Africa won by 322 runs Series: South Africa lead the four-match series 2-1 Toss: South Africa

South Africa rout embattled Australia by 322 runs in third Test

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gun-violence-in-united-states-student-led-protests-draw-huge-crowds-36966" target="_blank">Over 1 million Americans pour out onto streets, demand tighter gun control</a></p>

<p>More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, protests spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90-rajya-sabha-mps-are-crorepatis-adr-report-36972" target="_blank">90% Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis: Report</a></p>

<p>Nearly 90 per cent of the Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis while the average of total assets Upper House parliamentarians is Rs 55 crore, says a report.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/granddaughter-of-martin-luther-king-jr-energizes-march-for-our-lives-crowd-36969" target="_blank">US protests: Martin Luther King&#39;s granddaughter leads crowd calling for gun reform</a></p>

<p>The granddaughter of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. energised the crowd in Washington on Saturday (March 24) during the March For Our Lives Rally demanding tighter gun laws, led by survivors of last month&#39;s Florida school massacre which reignited public anger over mass shootings.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-takes-full-control-of-syrias-afrin-military-source-36971" target="_blank">Turkey takes full control of Syria&#39;s Afrin: Military source</a></p>

<p>Turkey&rsquo;s military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria&rsquo;s Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank">Australia captain Steve Smith fights for job</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank"> as CA announce </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank">ball-tampering</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-captain-smith-fights-for-job-as-ca-announce-ball-tamper-probe-36980" target="_blank"> probe</a></p>

<p>Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.</p>

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Over 1 million Americans pour out onto streets, demand tighter gun control More than a million Americans flooded the streets of cities nationwide for emotional protests demanding tighter gun control on Saturday, protests spearheaded by teenagers from a Florida high school where 17 people were shot dead last month. 90% Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis: Report Nearly 90 per cent of the Rajya Sabha MPs are crorepatis while the average of total assets Upper House parliamentarians is Rs 55 crore, says a report. US protests: Martin Luther King's granddaughter leads crowd calling for gun reform The granddaughter of the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. energised the crowd in Washington on Saturday (March 24) during the March For Our Lives Rally demanding tighter gun laws, led by survivors of last month's Florida school massacre which reignited public anger over mass shootings. Turkey takes full control of Syria's Afrin: Military source Turkey’s military and its Syrian rebel allies have taken full control of northwest Syria’s Afrin region, a Turkish army source said on Saturday, as aid workers distributed food to people in the area. Australia captain Steve Smith fights for job as CA announce ball-tampering probe Australia captain Steve Smith was fighting to save his job and reputation on Sunday after admitting he was the chief plotter in the ball-tampering scandal which has plunged the game into crisis and sparked a Cricket Australia probe.

WION Morning News Brief, March 25, 2018

<p>All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday.</p>

<p>The marine mammals stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, 315 km (198 miles) south of the state&#39;s capital, Perth, between March 22 and 23.</p>

<p>Authorities, veterinarians and locals who were visiting the beach attempted to save 15 of the migrating cetaceans in shallow waters, however, only seven were able to successfully be placed back in the water.</p>

<p>A spokeswoman from Western Australia&#39;s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said one whale beached itself again and had to be euthanised. So far, the remaining six whales appear to have survived although incident controller Jeremy Chick said they could attempt to beach themselves at another location.</p>

<p>Pilot whales, which are part of the dolphin family, weigh between one and four tons each, providing a logistical challenge to local authorities, who are now working on disposing of the carcasses.</p>

<p>While whales regularly get stranded on the coastal strip migrating between Antarctic feeding grounds in the south and warmer northern waters where they raise their young, the large number this time is unusual.</p>

<p>There was a previously recorded mass stranding in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves just north of Hamelin Bay and died.</p>

<p>Locals and tourists have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales. The beach has been temporarily closed while authorities dispose of the deceased whales.</p>


All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday

All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday. The marine mammals stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, 315 km (198 miles) south of the state's capital, Perth, between March 22 and 23. Authorities, veterinarians and locals who were visiting the beach attempted to save 15 of the migrating cetaceans in shallow waters, however, only seven were able to successfully be placed back in the water. A spokeswoman from Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said one whale beached itself again and had to be euthanised. So far, the remaining six whales appear to have survived although incident controller Jeremy Chick said they could attempt to beach themselves at another location. Pilot whales, which are part of the dolphin family, weigh between one and four tons each, providing a logistical challenge to local authorities, who are now working on disposing of the carcasses. While whales regularly get stranded on the coastal strip migrating between Antarctic feeding grounds in the south and warmer northern waters where they raise their young, the large number this time is unusual. There was a previously recorded mass stranding in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves just north of Hamelin Bay and died. Locals and tourists have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales. The beach has been temporarily closed while authorities dispose of the deceased whales.

Whales die after mass stranding in Australia

<p>The United States will deploy a record number of Marines to train in Australia, the Australian defence minister said on Friday, as Washington seeks to counter what it describes as Chinese aggression in the region.</p>

<p>Payne said 1,587 US&nbsp;Marines will spend six months training in Australia&#39;s remote north, an increase of nearly 27 per cent on its 2017 rotation for the programme known as the Force Posture Initiatives.</p>

<p>&quot;The US military plays a vital role in underwriting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific, and the Force Posture Initiatives will be an essential component in preserving stability and security over the coming decades,&quot; Defence Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.</p>

<p>The deployment, first introduced in 2011 as part of a US &quot;pivot&quot; to Asia, has emerged as a key indicator of Washington&#39;s commitment to the region under US President Donald Trump and his willingness to counter Chinese influence in a region where tensions have spiked amid disputes over the South China Sea.</p>

<p>China claims most of the South China Sea, an important trade route that is also believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas, and has been building artificial islands on reefs, some with ports and airstrips.</p>

<p>In a move likely to irk Beijing, the US Marines will train with personnel from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, some of which also have claims in the South China Sea.</p>

<p>&quot;China will monitor whatever the US does and it would prefer that the United States not work with the Asian countries included in these exercises,&quot; said Euan Graham, director of the international security programme at Australian think tank the Lowy Institute.</p>

<p>&quot;Beijing would like to deal one-on-one with Southeast Asia nations that have counter claims,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The US Marines will also bring additional military equipment, including helicopters and F-18 jets, Payne said.</p>

<p>The military deployment also threatens to further weaken Australia-Chinese relations.</p>

<p>Australia, a staunch US ally with no claim to the South China Sea, has long maintained its neutrality in the dispute to protect its economic relationship with China.</p>

<p>But bilateral relations have soured in recent months after Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said China was improperly interfering in Canberra&#39;s affairs, an accusation that triggered a rare protest from Beijing.</p>


The deployment, first introduced in 2011 as part of a US "pivot" to Asia, has emerged as a key indicator of Washington's commitment to the region under US President Donald Trump and his willingness to counter Chinese influence in a region where tensions have spiked amid disputes over South China Sea

The United States will deploy a record number of Marines to train in Australia, the Australian defence minister said on Friday, as Washington seeks to counter what it describes as Chinese aggression in the region. Payne said 1,587 US Marines will spend six months training in Australia's remote north, an increase of nearly 27 per cent on its 2017 rotation for the programme known as the Force Posture Initiatives. "The US military plays a vital role in underwriting security and stability across the Indo-Pacific, and the Force Posture Initiatives will be an essential component in preserving stability and security over the coming decades," Defence Minister Marise Payne said in a statement. The deployment, first introduced in 2011 as part of a US "pivot" to Asia, has emerged as a key indicator of Washington's commitment to the region under US President Donald Trump and his willingness to counter Chinese influence in a region where tensions have spiked amid disputes over the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea, an important trade route that is also believed to contain large quantities of oil and natural gas, and has been building artificial islands on reefs, some with ports and airstrips. In a move likely to irk Beijing, the US Marines will train with personnel from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, some of which also have claims in the South China Sea. "China will monitor whatever the US does and it would prefer that the United States not work with the Asian countries included in these exercises," said Euan Graham, director of the international security programme at Australian think tank the Lowy Institute. "Beijing would like to deal one-on-one with Southeast Asia nations that have counter claims," he said. The US Marines will also bring additional military equipment, including helicopters and F-18 jets, Payne said. The military deployment also threatens to further weaken Australia-Chinese relations. Australia, a staunch US ally with no claim to the South China Sea, has long maintained its neutrality in the dispute to protect its economic relationship with China. But bilateral relations have soured in recent months after Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said China was improperly interfering in Canberra's affairs, an accusation that triggered a rare protest from Beijing.

Record number of US Marines to train in Australia in symbolic challenge to China

<p>South African pacer Morne Morkel took his 300th Test wicket to break a promising Australian partnership on the second day of the third Test at Newlands on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aussies were 150 for the loss of five wickets at tea in reply to South Africa&#39;s 311 runs in their first innings.</p>

<p>Morkel, who announced to retire from international cricket after the series, took three of the first four Australian wickets to fall.</p>

<p>With the record, he became the fifth South African to join the 300 club.</p>

<p>Morkel dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in his first spell, then came back to break a 78-run stand between Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh when Marsh flashed at a wide ball and was caught behind.</p>

<p>33-year-old Morkel was playing in his 85th Test and became the 32nd bowler in the world to achieve the feat.</p>

<p>Earlier, Kagiso Rabada was hit for five boundaries in a row by David Warner but won a duel with the Australian opening batsman when he sent Warner&#39;s off stump cartwheeling.</p>

<p>Warner was bowled for 30. He hit three fours off the last three balls of Rabada&#39;s second over, then hooked the first ball of Rabada&#39;s next over for six.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He sliced a no-ball for four, then was bowled by a ball which went between bat and pad with Warner stuck on his crease.</p>

<p>Rabada, who had a two-match ban for making contact with Australian captain Steve Smith overturned before the Test, ran down the wicket to celebrate but did not go near the batsman.</p>

<p>But Warner appeared to react to a comment from a spectator in the members&#39; pavilion, stopping and turning as he climbed the steps to the dressing room.</p>

<p>South African opening batsman Dean Elgar equalled a world record when he carried his bat through a completed innings for the third time.</p>

<p>Elgar finished unbeaten on 141. Only Desmond Haynes of the West Indies had previously batted through a Test innings on three occasions.</p>

<p>Elgar and Rabada frustrated the Australians for 50 minutes as they took South Africa&#39;s overnight total from 266 for eight. They shared a partnership of 50 before off-spinner Nathan Lyon had Rabada caught by Smith at slip for 22 off his first ball of the day.</p>

<p>Elgar batted for 434 minutes, faced 284 balls and hit 20 fours and a six.</p>


33-year-old Morkel was playing in his 85th Test

South African pacer Morne Morkel took his 300th Test wicket to break a promising Australian partnership on the second day of the third Test at Newlands on Friday. Aussies were 150 for the loss of five wickets at tea in reply to South Africa's 311 runs in their first innings. Morkel, who announced to retire from international cricket after the series, took three of the first four Australian wickets to fall. With the record, he became the fifth South African to join the 300 club. Morkel dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in his first spell, then came back to break a 78-run stand between Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh when Marsh flashed at a wide ball and was caught behind. 33-year-old Morkel was playing in his 85th Test and became the 32nd bowler in the world to achieve the feat. Earlier, Kagiso Rabada was hit for five boundaries in a row by David Warner but won a duel with the Australian opening batsman when he sent Warner's off stump cartwheeling. Warner was bowled for 30. He hit three fours off the last three balls of Rabada's second over, then hooked the first ball of Rabada's next over for six. He sliced a no-ball for four, then was bowled by a ball which went between bat and pad with Warner stuck on his crease. Rabada, who had a two-match ban for making contact with Australian captain Steve Smith overturned before the Test, ran down the wicket to celebrate but did not go near the batsman. But Warner appeared to react to a comment from a spectator in the members' pavilion, stopping and turning as he climbed the steps to the dressing room. South African opening batsman Dean Elgar equalled a world record when he carried his bat through a completed innings for the third time. Elgar finished unbeaten on 141. Only Desmond Haynes of the West Indies had previously batted through a Test innings on three occasions. Elgar and Rabada frustrated the Australians for 50 minutes as they took South Africa's overnight total from 266 for eight. They shared a partnership of 50 before off-spinner Nathan Lyon had Rabada caught by Smith at slip for 22 off his first ball of the day. Elgar batted for 434 minutes, faced 284 balls and hit 20 fours and a six.

Morne Morkel's 300th wicket jolts Australia

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