<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

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith's participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be decided after Cricket Australia's report on the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's third Test against South Africa.
 
Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Ajinkya Rahane has been announced his replacement for the XIth edition.  

"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. 

Shukla added the board will not hesitate to take strict action against Smith.

"If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines." 

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,"

Smith has been banned for one Test and fined 100 per cent match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after admitting that he orchestrated a plan to ball tamper.

Following the scandal, Smith and David Warner both stepped down as Australia captain and vice-captain respectively.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, who are captained by Smith's compatriot Warner.

Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith's participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be decided after Cricket Australia's report on the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's third Test against South Africa. Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Ajinkya Rahane has been announced his replacement for the XIth edition. "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. Shukla added the board will not hesitate to take strict action against Smith. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines." 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," Smith has been banned for one Test and fined 100 per cent match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after admitting that he orchestrated a plan to ball tamper. Following the scandal, Smith and David Warner both stepped down as Australia captain and vice-captain respectively. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, who are captained by Smith's compatriot Warner.

Smith's IPL future to be decided after Cricket Australia's report: Chairman Rajeev Shukla

<p>Former Australian skipper Steve Smith's participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season will be decided after Cricket Australia's report on the ball-tampering controversy during Australia's third Test against South Africa. Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. Ajinkya Rahane has been announced his replacement for the XIth edition. "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. Shukla added the board will not hesitate to take strict action against Smith. "If they are going to punish him then we will also think on those lines." 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," Smith has been banned for one Test and fined 100 per cent match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after admitting that he orchestrated a plan to ball tamper. Following the scandal, Smith and David Warner both stepped down as Australia captain and vice-captain respectively. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will play their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9, who are captained by Smith's compatriot Warner.</p>


Yesterday, Smith had stepped down as captain of IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.

<p>Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Monday criticised the punishment of one-match ban to former Australia skipper Steve Smith, describing the ICC’s punishment as too lenient.</p>

<p>“I think that they [ICC] had an opportunity to set a precedent here,” “I think it [Smith’s punishment] is too lenient," Graeme Smith said.&nbsp</p>

<p>“It’s something that he’s admitted and that he’s aware of and was a part of and that he planned to cheat. I felt the ICC had an opportunity and in my mind they haven’t dealt with it effectively.</p>

<p>Smith will miss the fourth and final Test against the Proteas after confessing that he was behind the ball-tampering scandal that has engulfed cricket.</p>

<p>Another player Cameron Bancroft, who received three demerit points and a 75 per cent fine of his match fee, was caught on camera rubbing the ball with yellow tape on day three of the third Test in Cape Town before Smith revealed the premeditated idea on Saturday.</p>

<p>“I know the ICC have stuck to the letter of their system but having captained before, the spirit of the game gets drummed down as a captain, and the ICC make a conscious effort before every series to make sure that as a leader you’re aware of that and it’s your responsibility."</p>

<p>Graeme stated that in many ways Cricket Australia have been firmer than the ICC.</p>

<p>Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was named captain on day four as the Australians were crushed by 322 runs on Sunday.</p>

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Smith will miss the fourth and final Test against the Proteas

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith on Monday criticised the punishment of one-match ban to former Australia skipper Steve Smith, describing the ICC’s punishment as too lenient. “I think that they [ICC] had an opportunity to set a precedent here,” “I think it [Smith’s punishment] is too lenient," Graeme Smith said. “It’s something that he’s admitted and that he’s aware of and was a part of and that he planned to cheat. I felt the ICC had an opportunity and in my mind they haven’t dealt with it effectively. Smith will miss the fourth and final Test against the Proteas after confessing that he was behind the ball-tampering scandal that has engulfed cricket. Another player Cameron Bancroft, who received three demerit points and a 75 per cent fine of his match fee, was caught on camera rubbing the ball with yellow tape on day three of the third Test in Cape Town before Smith revealed the premeditated idea on Saturday. “I know the ICC have stuck to the letter of their system but having captained before, the spirit of the game gets drummed down as a captain, and the ICC make a conscious effort before every series to make sure that as a leader you’re aware of that and it’s your responsibility." Graeme stated that in many ways Cricket Australia have been firmer than the ICC. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine was named captain on day four as the Australians were crushed by 322 runs on Sunday. Related Ball-tampering row: Matt Renshaw added to Australia squad for... Funny Twitter reactions on Steve Smith's ball-tampering scandal 1st Test: New Zealand beat England by innings and 49 runs Wasim Akram trains Pak's internet bowling sensation Hasan Akhtar

Steve Smith's punishment by ICC too lenient: Graeme Smith on ball-tampering row

<p>Australia`s cricketers have heaped disgrace and humiliation on the country, the local press said Monday in blasting the "rotten" team culture under the current leadership.</p>

<p>The hard-hitting commentary follows captain Steve Smith admitting he cheated by hatching a plot to tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.</p>

<p>Cricket is considered the national sport in Australia and the stunning developments have not gone down well.</p>

<p>"Smith`s Shame," screamed The Australian broadsheet on its front page, in remarks echoed by other media.</p>

<p>"The cheating has hurt Australian cricket from helmet to boot," it said in a commentary calling for Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland to stand down.</p>

<p>"In charge of the game for nearly two decades, Sutherland has done little to change the rotten culture of the sport at its most senior level."</p>

<p>It added that the scandal had dumped "disgrace and humiliation" on the nation.</p>

<p>In the same theme, the newspaper`s cricket writer Peter Lalor asked: "Where were the adults in the room?</p>

<p>"The answer to the question is, sadly, that these are the adults. Or the nearest thing to them that the game can summon."</p>

<p>Television footage showed Smith`s teammate Cameron Bancroft taking a yellow object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session on Saturday and appearing to rub it on the ball.</p>

<p>He was punished by the ICC with three demerit points and fined 75 percent of his match fee, while Smith was fined all his match fee and banned for a match.</p>

<p>Cricket Australia is conducting its own investigation into what happened, as calls mount for heads to roll.</p>

<p>Sydney Daily Telegraph sports writer Robert Craddock said Smith`s decision was not a moment of madness.</p>

<p>"It was the culmination of a grubby win-at-all-costs culture finally crossing from self-righteous rule-bending into a world of shameless, bald-faced cheating," he wrote.</p>

<p>"Steve Smith`s reputation -- and that of his team -- will never recover from this episode."</p>

<p>The Sydney Morning Herald was equally scathing, saying Australia`s cricket leadership had "lost the plot" and there will be a heavy price to pay.</p>

<p>"As this disreputable tour descended from the gutter into the sewer, the mythical line the Australians use as the yardstick for their behaviour has not only become blurred but disappeared altogether," it said.</p>

<p>"This has been a truly awful few weeks for Australian cricket whose reputation has hit a new low. Rehabilitation will be long and slow."</p>


Australia’s plan to alter the condition of the ball during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands dominated news headlines and captain Steve Smith and his teammates were widely condemned by the Australian media.

Australia`s cricketers have heaped disgrace and humiliation on the country, the local press said Monday in blasting the "rotten" team culture under the current leadership. The hard-hitting commentary follows captain Steve Smith admitting he cheated by hatching a plot to tamper with the ball during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday. Cricket is considered the national sport in Australia and the stunning developments have not gone down well. "Smith`s Shame," screamed The Australian broadsheet on its front page, in remarks echoed by other media. "The cheating has hurt Australian cricket from helmet to boot," it said in a commentary calling for Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland to stand down. "In charge of the game for nearly two decades, Sutherland has done little to change the rotten culture of the sport at its most senior level." It added that the scandal had dumped "disgrace and humiliation" on the nation. In the same theme, the newspaper`s cricket writer Peter Lalor asked: "Where were the adults in the room? "The answer to the question is, sadly, that these are the adults. Or the nearest thing to them that the game can summon." Television footage showed Smith`s teammate Cameron Bancroft taking a yellow object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session on Saturday and appearing to rub it on the ball. He was punished by the ICC with three demerit points and fined 75 percent of his match fee, while Smith was fined all his match fee and banned for a match. Cricket Australia is conducting its own investigation into what happened, as calls mount for heads to roll. Sydney Daily Telegraph sports writer Robert Craddock said Smith`s decision was not a moment of madness. "It was the culmination of a grubby win-at-all-costs culture finally crossing from self-righteous rule-bending into a world of shameless, bald-faced cheating," he wrote. "Steve Smith`s reputation -- and that of his team -- will never recover from this episode." The Sydney Morning Herald was equally scathing, saying Australia`s cricket leadership had "lost the plot" and there will be a heavy price to pay. "As this disreputable tour descended from the gutter into the sewer, the mythical line the Australians use as the yardstick for their behaviour has not only become blurred but disappeared altogether," it said. "This has been a truly awful few weeks for Australian cricket whose reputation has hit a new low. Rehabilitation will be long and slow."

'Smith's Shame': Australia media slam 'rotten' cricket culture after ball-tampering row

<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>Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is all geared up to enthral the audience at the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 on April 7.</p>

<p>The 'Bajirao Mastani' star, who has always set the stage on fire with his insane energy, will be paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for 15-minute performance in IPL’s eleventh edition.</p>

<p>This means Ranveer will be taking over Rs 33 lakh per minute for his performance at the ceremony.</p>

<p>“He will be shaking a leg for about 15 minutes, but the organising team was always clear that they wanted Ranveer as a performer and that’s why he has been offered such a huge amount,” reports said.</p>

<p>“His appeal cuts across cities, age-groups and has an equally big fan following among men and women. That’s why the organisers felt that he is the perfect fit for the performance at this year’s IPL opening ceremony. The organisers are extremely happy that Ranveer has given his nod for the event, the reports added.</p>

<p>On the professional front, Ranveer will be seen in Zoya Akhtar's musical drama 'Gully Boy'.&nbsp</p>

<p>The actor will be seen opposite Alia Bhatt for the first time in a film. However, the two have collaborated for several Television commercials.&nbsp</p>

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The actor will be paid a total of Rs 5 crore for his act

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh is all geared up to enthral the audience at the opening ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 on April 7. The 'Bajirao Mastani' star, who has always set the stage on fire with his insane energy, will be paid a whopping Rs 5 crore for 15-minute performance in IPL’s eleventh edition. This means Ranveer will be taking over Rs 33 lakh per minute for his performance at the ceremony. “He will be shaking a leg for about 15 minutes, but the organising team was always clear that they wanted Ranveer as a performer and that’s why he has been offered such a huge amount,” reports said. “His appeal cuts across cities, age-groups and has an equally big fan following among men and women. That’s why the organisers felt that he is the perfect fit for the performance at this year’s IPL opening ceremony. The organisers are extremely happy that Ranveer has given his nod for the event, the reports added. On the professional front, Ranveer will be seen in Zoya Akhtar's musical drama 'Gully Boy'. The actor will be seen opposite Alia Bhatt for the first time in a film. However, the two have collaborated for several Television commercials. Related Ball-tampering row: Matt Renshaw added to Australia squad for... Funny Twitter reactions on Steve Smith's ball-tampering scandal 'I don't want anything bad for Shami,' says wife Hasin Jahan 1st Test: New Zealand beat England by innings and 49 runs

IPL 2018: Ranveer Singh to get over Rs 33 lakh per minute for 15-minute performance

<p>Days before the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts, Steve Smith stepped down as the captain for the upcoming league due to&nbspthe ball-tampering admission.&nbsp&nbsp</p>
<p>It is still&nbspnot clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not.&nbsp&nbsp</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rajasthan Royals appoint <a href="https://twitter.com/ajinkyarahane88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ajinkyarahane88</a> as the captain for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a><br><br>“The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u">https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u</a> <a href="https://t.co/iy3sMVWlc1">pic.twitter.com/iy3sMVWlc1</a></p>&mdash Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/978207335674818560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">26 March 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<p>Meanwhile, in-form Ajinkya Rahane has been handed over the responsibility to lead the side, Royals informed.</p>
<p>Rajasthan, who are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension, took the decision after consulting their team mentor Shane Warne, who blasted Smith on Saturday when the ball-tampering row erupted.</p>
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<p>"Very disappointed with the pictures I saw on our coverage here in Cape Town. If proven the alleged ball tampering is what we all think it is — then I hope Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann do the press conference to clean this mess up!" Warne had tweeted.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal.</p>
<p>On Sunday, during a press conference, Smith admitted to ball tampering during the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.</p>
<p>Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.&nbsp<br>
&nbsp</p>

Rajasthan Royals are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension

Days before the XIth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts, Steve Smith stepped down as the captain for the upcoming league due to&nbspthe ball-tampering admission. It is still&nbspnot clear whether Smith will play as a player for Royals or not. Rajasthan Royals appoint @ajinkyarahane88 as the captain for #IPL2018 “The game is bigger than any individual and we hold this thought close to our heart.”- Manoj Badale , the co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Read more: https://t.co/qBQbgUFb2u pic.twitter.com/iy3sMVWlc1 &mdash Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) 26 March 2018 Meanwhile, in-form Ajinkya Rahane has been handed over the responsibility to lead the side, Royals informed. Rajasthan, who are coming back in the IPL after ending a two-year suspension, took the decision after consulting their team mentor Shane Warne, who blasted Smith on Saturday when the ball-tampering row erupted. × "Very disappointed with the pictures I saw on our coverage here in Cape Town. If proven the alleged ball tampering is what we all think it is — then I hope Steve Smith and Darren Lehmann do the press conference to clean this mess up!" Warne had tweeted. Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. Meanwhile, Rahane was one of Royals’ premier performer before they were banned for two years in the wake of the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. On Sunday, during a press conference, Smith admitted to ball tampering during the ongoing third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Yesterday, the International Cricket Council (ICC) handed Smith a one-Test suspension and docked his full match fees as per its code of conduct.

IPL 2018: Ajinkya Rahane to lead Rajasthan after Smith steps down as captain over ball-tampering admission

<p>Steve Smith has stepped down as the captain of the Australian cricket team following the ball-tampering saga that took place during the third day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vice-captain David Warner also agreed to step down from his position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement came almost an hour after the Australian government called for the removal of Smith as captain.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ball-tampering-row-australian-government-calls-for-steve-smiths-sacking-as-captain-37005" target="_blank">Australian government calls for Steve Smith&#39;s sacking as captain</a></strong></p>

<p>Confirming the news, Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said: &ldquo;Following discussions with Steve Smith and David Warner they have agreed to stand down as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the remainder of this Test match.&quot;</p>

<p>Wicket-keeper Tim Paine has been handed over the responsibility to lead Australia for the remaining two days of the Test.</p>

<p>Both Smith and Warner, will take to the field today under Tim&rsquo;s captaincy.</p>

<p>&ldquo;This Test match needs to proceed, and in the interim we will continue to investigate this matter with the urgency that it demands. As I said earlier today, Cricket Australia and Australian cricket fans expect certain standards of conduct from cricketers representing our country, and on this occasion these standards have not been met, &quot; Sutherland added.</p>

<p>&ldquo;All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings, as a matter of priority,&rdquo; he concluded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing a press conference, Smith admitted to altering the condition of the ball during the day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Wicket-keeper Tim Paine has been handed over the responsibility of leading Australia

Steve Smith has stepped down as the captain of the Australian cricket team following the ball-tampering saga that took place during the third day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday. Vice-captain David Warner also agreed to step down from his position. The announcement came almost an hour after the Australian government called for the removal of Smith as captain. Also read: Australian government calls for Steve Smith's sacking as captain Confirming the news, Cricket Australia CEO, James Sutherland said: “Following discussions with Steve Smith and David Warner they have agreed to stand down as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the remainder of this Test match." Wicket-keeper Tim Paine has been handed over the responsibility to lead Australia for the remaining two days of the Test. Both Smith and Warner, will take to the field today under Tim’s captaincy. “This Test match needs to proceed, and in the interim we will continue to investigate this matter with the urgency that it demands. As I said earlier today, Cricket Australia and Australian cricket fans expect certain standards of conduct from cricketers representing our country, and on this occasion these standards have not been met, " Sutherland added. “All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings, as a matter of priority,” he concluded. While addressing a press conference, Smith admitted to altering the condition of the ball during the day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town.

After ball-tampering admission, Smith, Warner step down as captain, vice-captain of Australian cricket team

<p>A day after Steve Smith admitted to altering the condition of the ball during the day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town, the Australian government has called for the removal of Smith as captain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also termed the incident a shocking disappointment.</p>

<p>&quot;It seems beyond belief the Australian cricket team have been involved in cheating. Our cricketers are role models and cricket is synonymous with fair play. How can our team be engaged in cheating like this? It beggars belief&rdquo;, said the prime minister.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve spoken with David Peever, the Chairman of Cricket Australia, a few moments ago and I&rsquo;ve expressed to him very clearly and unequivocally my disappointment and my concern about the events in South Africa. It&rsquo;s their responsibility to deal with it, but I have to say that (to) the whole nation, who holds those who wear the Baggy Green up on a pedestal, about as high as you can get in Australia this is a shocking disappointment. It&rsquo;s wrong, and I look forward to Cricket Australia taking decisive action soon,&rdquo; he added.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) called for Smith to be stood down immediately, along with any other members of the team leadership group or coaching staff who had prior awareness of, or involvement in the plan.</p>

<p>However, Smith insisted he will not quit after teammate Cameron Bancroft was caught using a yellow object to alter the condition of the ball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cricket Australia said that they were sending Iain Roy, Head of Integrity, and Pat Howard, the High Performance Manger to investigate the ball-tampering issue and attempt to get a clearer picture.</p>

<p>CA chief James Sutherland said that they were &ldquo;extremely disappointed and shocked with what we woke up to this morning.</p>

<p>The ongoing series has already been marred by several on-field and off-field incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Africa currently lead by 294 runs with five wickets in hand going into day four.</p>


Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also termed the incident a shocking disappointment

A day after Steve Smith admitted to altering the condition of the ball during the day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town, the Australian government has called for the removal of Smith as captain. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also termed the incident a shocking disappointment. "It seems beyond belief the Australian cricket team have been involved in cheating. Our cricketers are role models and cricket is synonymous with fair play. How can our team be engaged in cheating like this? It beggars belief”, said the prime minister. “I’ve spoken with David Peever, the Chairman of Cricket Australia, a few moments ago and I’ve expressed to him very clearly and unequivocally my disappointment and my concern about the events in South Africa. It’s their responsibility to deal with it, but I have to say that (to) the whole nation, who holds those who wear the Baggy Green up on a pedestal, about as high as you can get in Australia this is a shocking disappointment. It’s wrong, and I look forward to Cricket Australia taking decisive action soon,” he added. Earlier, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) called for Smith to be stood down immediately, along with any other members of the team leadership group or coaching staff who had prior awareness of, or involvement in the plan. However, Smith insisted he will not quit after teammate Cameron Bancroft was caught using a yellow object to alter the condition of the ball. Cricket Australia said that they were sending Iain Roy, Head of Integrity, and Pat Howard, the High Performance Manger to investigate the ball-tampering issue and attempt to get a clearer picture. CA chief James Sutherland said that they were “extremely disappointed and shocked with what we woke up to this morning. The ongoing series has already been marred by several on-field and off-field incidents. South Africa currently lead by 294 runs with five wickets in hand going into day four.

Ball tampering row: Australian government calls for Steve Smith's sacking as captain

<p>India spinner Harbhajan Singh today slammed the ICC for letting off Australian opener Cameron Bancroft with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-banned-for-one-test-fined-100-match-fee-icc-37030">only a fine of 75 </a>per cent of his match fee and not a ban, despite his role in the ball tampering scandal in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.</p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh drew attention to the 2001 South Africa Test where he along with Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Shiv Sunder Das and Deep Dasgupta,were banned for at least one Test by match referee Mike Denness for various offences.</p>

<p>He also referred to the 2008 Sydney Test against Australia, infamously described as Monkey gate, where he was banned for three Tests for an alleged racial slur against Andrew Symonds.</p>

<p>Harbhajan Singh wrote on Twitter:</p>

<p>&quot;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,&quot; he tweeted.<br />
&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>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/977911377447677953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Former England captain Michael Vaughan was also critical of the ICC&#39;s decision.</p>

<p>&quot;1 Match Ban &amp; 100 % March fee Fine for Smith #ffs ... 75% match fee fine for Bancroft and some bloody De merit points for Bancroft ... Pathetic penalties for CHEATING ... Surely this moment was the time to set a precedent ... !!?? All the team should be penalised,&quot; he wrote in his handle.</p>

<p>Australian captain Smith was today handed a one-match suspension and fined 100 percent of his match fee after he owned up to a ball-tampering conspiracy in South Africa.</p>

<p>Bancroft was fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day&#39;s play.</p>

<p>The incident that led to the charges being laid took place during South Africa&#39;s innings yesterday afternoon when Bancroft was seen on television holding a foreign object while rubbing the ball, before hiding the yellow object in his pocket, and then inside his trousers.<br />
<br />
(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>


India spinner Harbhajan Singh criticised the ICC for letting off Australian opener Cameron Bancroft with only a fine of 75% of his match fee and not a ban, despite his role in the ball tampering scandal

India spinner Harbhajan Singh today slammed the ICC for letting off Australian opener Cameron Bancroft with only a fine of 75 per cent of his match fee and not a ban, despite his role in the ball tampering scandal in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Harbhajan Singh drew attention to the 2001 South Africa Test where he along with Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Sourav Ganguly, Shiv Sunder Das and Deep Dasgupta,were banned for at least one Test by match referee Mike Denness for various offences. He also referred to the 2008 Sydney Test against Australia, infamously described as Monkey gate, where he was banned for three Tests for an alleged racial slur against Andrew Symonds. Harbhajan Singh wrote on Twitter: "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," he tweeted. 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) March 25, 2018 × Former England captain Michael Vaughan was also critical of the ICC's decision. "1 Match Ban & 100 % March fee Fine for Smith #ffs ... 75% match fee fine for Bancroft and some bloody De merit points for Bancroft ... Pathetic penalties for CHEATING ... Surely this moment was the time to set a precedent ... !!?? All the team should be penalised," he wrote in his handle. Australian captain Smith was today handed a one-match suspension and fined 100 percent of his match fee after he owned up to a ball-tampering conspiracy in South Africa. Bancroft was fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points for breaching Level 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the third day's play. The incident that led to the charges being laid took place during South Africa's innings yesterday afternoon when Bancroft was seen on television holding a foreign object while rubbing the ball, before hiding the yellow object in his pocket, and then inside his trousers. (With inputs from PTI)

Harbhajan Singh slams ICC after decision on Smith, Bancroft

<p>Australian cricket team player Steve Smith, who stepped down from the captain&#39;s post today, has been given a one-match suspension and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for his role in the ball-tampering incident.</p>

<p>ICC chief executive David Richardson informed that Smith had accepted the charge.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The decision made by the leadership group of the Australian team to act in this way is clearly contrary to the spirit of the game, risks causing significant damage to the integrity of the match, the players and the sport itself and is therefore &lsquo;serious&rsquo; in nature,&quot; ICC chief executive David Richardson said.</p>

<p>&quot;As captain, Steve Smith must take full responsibility for the actions of his players and it is appropriate that he be suspended,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Australia opener Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points.</p>

<p>Bancroft was caught on camera tampering with the ball on day three of the test.</p>


Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee

Australian cricket team player Steve Smith, who stepped down from the captain's post today, has been given a one-match suspension and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for his role in the ball-tampering incident. ICC chief executive David Richardson informed that Smith had accepted the charge. “The decision made by the leadership group of the Australian team to act in this way is clearly contrary to the spirit of the game, risks causing significant damage to the integrity of the match, the players and the sport itself and is therefore ‘serious’ in nature," ICC chief executive David Richardson said. "As captain, Steve Smith must take full responsibility for the actions of his players and it is appropriate that he be suspended," he added. Meanwhile, Australia opener Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points. Bancroft was caught on camera tampering with the ball on day three of the test.

Steve Smith banned for one test, fined 100% match fee: ICC 

<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

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<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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


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>Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla on Sunday said&nbsp;the fate of Steve Smith and David Warner for the upcoming edition will be decided only after International Cricket Council&#39;s (ICC) decision.</p>

<p>Shukla informed that Rajasthan Royals will wait and see what sanctions the ICC imposes on Steve Smith before taking a call on his future as the franchise&#39;s captain.</p>

<p>&quot;This is a matter of serious concern for all of us. We are waiting for decision of ICC&amp;Cricket Australia before taking any step,&quot; Shukla said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a matter of serious concern for all of us. We are waiting for decision of ICC&amp;Cricket Australia before taking any step: IPL chairman on Steve Smith &amp; David Warner stepping down as Captain&amp;Vice-Captain of Australia respectively for remainder of Test match with South Africa <a href="https://t.co/ArCrdS6hwu">pic.twitter.com/ArCrdS6hwu</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977881652667052032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>A ball-tampering scandal erupted on Sunday with Smith confessing to altering the condition of the ball during the day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town.</p>

<p>He admission prompted cricket pundits, legends and Australia&#39;s prime minister to react.</p>

<p>Warner is the captain of the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.</p>

<p>Speaking on the matter, Rajasthan Royals Executive Chairman Ranjit Barthakur said, &quot;We have been made aware of the controversy of ball tampering in the ongoing Australia - South Africa series and await further instructions from BCCI, before we make any announcement.&quot;&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We at Rajasthan Royals will not tolerate any actions that are unfair by definition and bring disrepute to the game of cricket. Our Zero tolerance policy applies to everyone in our team. Please bear with us,&quot; Ranjit added.</p>

<p>Wicket-keeper Tim Paine has been handed over the responsibility to lead Australia for the remaining two days of the Test.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Shukla said RR will wait and see what sanctions the ICC imposes on players

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla on Sunday said the fate of Steve Smith and David Warner for the upcoming edition will be decided only after International Cricket Council's (ICC) decision. Shukla informed that Rajasthan Royals will wait and see what sanctions the ICC imposes on Steve Smith before taking a call on his future as the franchise's captain. "This is a matter of serious concern for all of us. We are waiting for decision of ICC&Cricket Australia before taking any step," Shukla said. This is a matter of serious concern for all of us. We are waiting for decision of ICC&Cricket Australia before taking any step: IPL chairman on Steve Smith & David Warner stepping down as Captain&Vice-Captain of Australia respectively for remainder of Test match with South Africa pic.twitter.com/ArCrdS6hwu — ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2018 × A ball-tampering scandal erupted on Sunday with Smith confessing to altering the condition of the ball during the day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Cape Town. He admission prompted cricket pundits, legends and Australia's prime minister to react. Warner is the captain of the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Speaking on the matter, Rajasthan Royals Executive Chairman Ranjit Barthakur said, "We have been made aware of the controversy of ball tampering in the ongoing Australia - South Africa series and await further instructions from BCCI, before we make any announcement."" "We at Rajasthan Royals will not tolerate any actions that are unfair by definition and bring disrepute to the game of cricket. Our Zero tolerance policy applies to everyone in our team. Please bear with us," Ranjit added. Wicket-keeper Tim Paine has been handed over the responsibility to lead Australia for the remaining two days of the Test.

IPL 2018: Steve, Warner fate to be decided only after ICC's decision, says Chairman Rajiv Shukla

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/after-ball-tampering-admission-smith-warner-step-down-as-captain-vice-captain-of-australian-cricket-team-37010">After ball-tampering admission, Smith, Warner step down as captain, vice-captain of Australian cricket team</a></p>

<p>Steve Smith has stepped down as the captain of the Australian cricket team following the ball-tampering saga that took place during the third day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-win-in-up-rajya-sabha-polls-has-bolstered-sp-bsp-unity-akhilesh-yadav-37024">BJP&#39;s win in UP Rajya Sabha polls has bolstered SP-BSP unity: Akhilesh Yadav</a></p>

<p>The BJP may have wrested an extra seat in the recent Rajya Sabha polls but the victory will backfire on the saffron party as its &quot;anti-Dalit face stood exposed&quot; while the SP-BSP unity got strengthened, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav claimed today.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/up-10-persons-arrested-for-alleged-links-to-let-terror-funding-37016">UP: 10 persons arrested for alleged links to LeT, terror-funding</a></p>

<p>The Uttar Pradesh Police&#39;s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Sunday arrested 10 persons for alleged links to the terrroist outfit the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and allegedly involved in terror-funding activities at the behest of Pakistan.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-ram-navami-pandals-vandalised-bjp-accuses-tmc-37020">West Bengal: Ram Navami pandals vandalised, BJP accuses TMC</a></p>

<p>A Ram Navami pandal was vandalised on Saturday evening by unidentified miscreants in Bardhman district of West Bengal.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-problem-getting-naked-before-the-white-man-but-there-is-revolution-when-govt-asks-for-address-minister-37008">No problem getting naked before white man but revolution when </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-problem-getting-naked-before-the-white-man-but-there-is-revolution-when-govt-asks-for-address-minister-37008">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-problem-getting-naked-before-the-white-man-but-there-is-revolution-when-govt-asks-for-address-minister-37008"> asks for name, address: Union Minister&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Union Minister of State for Tourism and IT K J Alphons on Saturday said that Indians absolutely have no problem giving fingerprints and getting body naked before the white man at all.</p>


After ball-tampering admission, Smith, Warner step down as captain, vice-captain of Australian cricket team Steve Smith has stepped down as the captain of the Australian cricket team following the ball-tampering saga that took place during the third day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday. BJP's win in UP Rajya Sabha polls has bolstered SP-BSP unity: Akhilesh Yadav The BJP may have wrested an extra seat in the recent Rajya Sabha polls but the victory will backfire on the saffron party as its "anti-Dalit face stood exposed" while the SP-BSP unity got strengthened, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav claimed today. UP: 10 persons arrested for alleged links to LeT, terror-funding The Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Sunday arrested 10 persons for alleged links to the terrroist outfit the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and allegedly involved in terror-funding activities at the behest of Pakistan. West Bengal: Ram Navami pandals vandalised, BJP accuses TMC A Ram Navami pandal was vandalised on Saturday evening by unidentified miscreants in Bardhman district of West Bengal. No problem getting naked before white man but revolution when government asks for name, address: Union Minister Union Minister of State for Tourism and IT K J Alphons on Saturday said that Indians absolutely have no problem giving fingerprints and getting body naked before the white man at all.

WION evening news brief, March 25, 2018

<p>Australia&#39;s Cameron Bancroft and captain Steve Smith admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday, sending shockwaves through cricket.</p>

<p>Bancroft was caught on television cameras appearing to rub a yellow object on the ball, and later said: &quot;I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be here (in the press conference) because I want to be accountable for my actions.&quot;</p>

<p>Smith added: &quot;The leadership group knew about it.&quot;</p>

<p>Television footage appeared to show Bancroft, 25, take on object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session on the third day of the Test at Newlands.</p>

<p>He was spoken to by umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth during the 43rd over of South Africa&#39;s second innings after appearing to have the object in his hand after fielding the ball at cover.</p>

<p>While the umpires were conferring, Bancroft then appeared to place a small yellow object in his underpants.</p>

<p>When the umpires went across to talk to him he reached into a pocket and showed them what seemed to be a different object &ndash;- what looked like a soft pouch for sunglasses.</p>

<p>The umpires took no action and did not change the ball.</p>

<p>There were boos from a capacity crowd at Newlands when the incident was shown on the big screen at the ground.</p>

<p>Both Bancroft and Smith, who took over the Australian captaincy in 2015, appeared before the media after the match and admitted that they had attempted 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 opening batsman Bancroft who is playing in his eighth Test.</p>

<p>&quot;It didn&#39;t work, the umpires didn&#39;t change the ball. We have this yellow tape in our kit. The actual sticky stuff itself is very sticky so I felt it could be used to collect some stuff from the side of the pitch.&quot;</p>

<p>Smith will now face calls for his resignation after admitting that Bancroft did not act alone.</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 the skipper.</p>


Australia's Cameron Bancroft and captain Steve Smith admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday, sending shockwaves through cricket

Australia's Cameron Bancroft and captain Steve Smith admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday, sending shockwaves through cricket. Bancroft was caught on television cameras appearing to rub a yellow object on the ball, and later said: "I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I want to be here (in the press conference) because I want to be accountable for my actions." Smith added: "The leadership group knew about it." Television footage appeared to show Bancroft, 25, take on object out of his pocket while fielding in the post-lunch session on the third day of the Test at Newlands. He was spoken to by umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth during the 43rd over of South Africa's second innings after appearing to have the object in his hand after fielding the ball at cover. While the umpires were conferring, Bancroft then appeared to place a small yellow object in his underpants. When the umpires went across to talk to him he reached into a pocket and showed them what seemed to be a different object –- what looked like a soft pouch for sunglasses. The umpires took no action and did not change the ball. There were boos from a capacity crowd at Newlands when the incident was shown on the big screen at the ground. Both Bancroft and Smith, who took over the Australian captaincy in 2015, appeared before the media after the match and admitted that they had attempted 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 opening batsman Bancroft who is playing in his eighth Test. "It didn't work, the umpires didn't change the ball. We have this yellow tape in our kit. The actual sticky stuff itself is very sticky so I felt it could be used to collect some stuff from the side of the pitch." Smith will now face calls for his resignation after admitting that Bancroft did not act alone. "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 the skipper.

Bancroft, Smith admit ball-tampering against South Africa

<p>Australian captain Steve Smith has criticised the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for making physical contact with him.</p>

<p>Smith said ahead of Wednesday&#39;s pre-Test press conference that a &quot;line in the sand&quot; had been drawn regarding physical contact and said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing.</p>

<p>Having been banned for the remaining two Tests in the series for brushing against Smith&#39;s shoulder after taking his wicket in the second Test, Rabada was cleared to play in the third Test starting Thursday after a successful appeal.</p>

<p>Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon had said the team had &quot;no dramas&quot; with the decision, but Smith has told cricket.com.au website: &quot;I certainly think he (Rabada) bumped me a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage.&quot;</p>

<p>Although Smith claimed &quot;it didn&rsquo;t bother me too much,&quot; he went on to say, &quot;they&rsquo;ve obviously decided what&rsquo;s deliberate contact and what&rsquo;s not and apparently it wasn&rsquo;t.</p>

<p>&quot;The ICC have set the standard, haven&#39;t they? There was clearly contact out in the middle.</p>

<p>&quot;I certainly won&#39;t be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don&#39;t think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set.&quot;</p>

<p>Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the incident in Port Elizabeth by match referee Jeff Crowe, triggering an automatic two-Test ban.</p>

<p>But judicial commissioner Michael Heron said he was not completely satisfied that the contact was deliberate and reduced the charge to acting against the spirit of the game, imposing a one-point penalty, which took Rabada one point below the threshold for the ban.</p>

<p>He will, therefore, line up for South Africa as they seek the edge in a series tied at one match apiece.</p>

<p>Smith said it was &quot;interesting&quot; he had not been asked for his version of events and said Crowe had reason to be annoyed about his judgement being questioned.</p>

<p>&quot;The way he handled both sides throughout the two Test matches, I thought he did a terrific job. I&#39;d be feeling a bit annoyed if I was him, to be perfectly honest.&quot;</p>

<p>Smith said he and senior Australia players Lyon and David Warner had spoken to incoming match referee Andy Pycroft, who will handle the remaining two Tests of what has been an often bad-tempered series.</p>

<p>He said the referee would also speak to South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis &quot;just to ensure that the series is continued to play in pretty good spirit.&quot;</p>


Australian skipper Steve Smith said that he was surprised because he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing

Australian captain Steve Smith has criticised the decision to overturn a ban on South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada for making physical contact with him. Smith said ahead of Wednesday's pre-Test press conference that a "line in the sand" had been drawn regarding physical contact and said he was surprised he had not been asked his opinion during the appeal hearing. Having been banned for the remaining two Tests in the series for brushing against Smith's shoulder after taking his wicket in the second Test, Rabada was cleared to play in the third Test starting Thursday after a successful appeal. Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon had said the team had "no dramas" with the decision, but Smith has told cricket.com.au website: "I certainly think he (Rabada) bumped me a little bit harder than it actually looked on the footage." Although Smith claimed "it didn’t bother me too much," he went on to say, "they’ve obviously decided what’s deliberate contact and what’s not and apparently it wasn’t. "The ICC have set the standard, haven't they? There was clearly contact out in the middle. "I certainly won't be telling my bowlers to go out there and after you take a wicket go and get in their space. I don't think that is on and part of the game. But the standard has been set." Rabada was initially given three demerit points for the incident in Port Elizabeth by match referee Jeff Crowe, triggering an automatic two-Test ban. But judicial commissioner Michael Heron said he was not completely satisfied that the contact was deliberate and reduced the charge to acting against the spirit of the game, imposing a one-point penalty, which took Rabada one point below the threshold for the ban. He will, therefore, line up for South Africa as they seek the edge in a series tied at one match apiece. Smith said it was "interesting" he had not been asked for his version of events and said Crowe had reason to be annoyed about his judgement being questioned. "The way he handled both sides throughout the two Test matches, I thought he did a terrific job. I'd be feeling a bit annoyed if I was him, to be perfectly honest." Smith said he and senior Australia players Lyon and David Warner had spoken to incoming match referee Andy Pycroft, who will handle the remaining two Tests of what has been an often bad-tempered series. He said the referee would also speak to South Africa captain Faf Du Plessis "just to ensure that the series is continued to play in pretty good spirit."

Steve Smith criticises ICC on Rabada ruling

<p>Leaving his swanky business class flight seats and chauffeured cars, this cricket player preferred to take a train back to the small town he plays his game from.</p>

<p>At one end he has a multi-billion-dollar business empire but he chose to have a sun-bake cricket field, term it his love or passion for the sport.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
He is Aryaman Vikram Birla, the son of the chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla.</p>

<p>Barely eighteen years old, Aryaman has already made it to the First Class level by being snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Royal player was bought for Rs 30 lakh. The amount may be peanuts for his father but keeps a lot of value as it&#39;s his first big pay cheque as a professional cricketer.</p>

<p>The Birla scion is an all-rounder. He is a left-handed batsman and a left-arm spinner. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The budding player caught people&#39;s attention after he scored a blistering 153 runs in a match for Madhya Pradesh during the Under-23 Col CK Nayadu Trophy, last year.</p>

<p>He was also once India&#39;s highest run-scorer in the Polly Umrigar Trophy.</p>

<p>The boy from uptown Mumbai chose to pick up his kit bag and prove at the nets</p>

<p>In the recently held IPL auctions, Aryaman went unsold in the first round but was finally picked up by the Rajasthan in the second and final round.</p>

<p>The newly found talent will get a chance to play under Australian captain and arguably the world&#39;s best batsman Steve Smith.</p>

<p>The dressing room which will also include England all-rounder Ben Stokes and India batsman Ajinkya Rahane.</p>

<p>Purchased:<br />
Ben Stokes (12.5 cr), Ajinkya Rahane (4 cr), Stuart Binny (50 L), Sanju Samson (8 cr), Jos Buttler (4.4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (3.4 cr), D&#39;Arcy Short (4 cr), Jofra Archer (7.2 cr), K Gowtham (6.2 cr), Dhawal Kulkarni (75 L), Jaydev Unadkat (11.5 cr), Ankit Sharma (20 L), Anureet Singh (30 L), Zahir Khan Pakteen (60 L), Shreyas Gopal (20 L), MS Midhun (20 L), Prashant Chopra (20 L), Ben Laughlin (50 L), Mahipal Lomror (20 L), Aryaman Birla (30 L), Jatin Saxena (20 L), Dushmantha Chameera (50 L)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


He was snapped up by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 30 lakh

Leaving his swanky business class flight seats and chauffeured cars, this cricket player preferred to take a train back to the small town he plays his game from. At one end he has a multi-billion-dollar business empire but he chose to have a sun-bake cricket field, term it his love or passion for the sport. He is Aryaman Vikram Birla, the son of the chairman of Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla. Barely eighteen years old, Aryaman has already made it to the First Class level by being snapped up by the Rajasthan Royals for the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The Royal player was bought for Rs 30 lakh. The amount may be peanuts for his father but keeps a lot of value as it's his first big pay cheque as a professional cricketer. The Birla scion is an all-rounder. He is a left-handed batsman and a left-arm spinner. The budding player caught people's attention after he scored a blistering 153 runs in a match for Madhya Pradesh during the Under-23 Col CK Nayadu Trophy, last year. He was also once India's highest run-scorer in the Polly Umrigar Trophy. The boy from uptown Mumbai chose to pick up his kit bag and prove at the nets In the recently held IPL auctions, Aryaman went unsold in the first round but was finally picked up by the Rajasthan in the second and final round. The newly found talent will get a chance to play under Australian captain and arguably the world's best batsman Steve Smith. The dressing room which will also include England all-rounder Ben Stokes and India batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Purchased: Ben Stokes (12.5 cr), Ajinkya Rahane (4 cr), Stuart Binny (50 L), Sanju Samson (8 cr), Jos Buttler (4.4 cr), Rahul Tripathi (3.4 cr), D'Arcy Short (4 cr), Jofra Archer (7.2 cr), K Gowtham (6.2 cr), Dhawal Kulkarni (75 L), Jaydev Unadkat (11.5 cr), Ankit Sharma (20 L), Anureet Singh (30 L), Zahir Khan Pakteen (60 L), Shreyas Gopal (20 L), MS Midhun (20 L), Prashant Chopra (20 L), Ben Laughlin (50 L), Mahipal Lomror (20 L), Aryaman Birla (30 L), Jatin Saxena (20 L), Dushmantha Chameera (50 L)

IPL 2018: Meet Aryaman Birla, the boy who chose cricket over Aditya Birla empire

<p>New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron has declared Kagiso Rabada as not guilty of level two offence, though, was imposed with&nbsp;a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and will receive one demerit point.</p>

<p>Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Rabada cleared to play next <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> Test!<br />
<br />
However, he still gets a fine and one demerit point.<br />
<br />
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl">https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl</a> <a href="https://t.co/CLUrqTmcmo">pic.twitter.com/CLUrqTmcmo</a></p>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/976001995940114432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: &quot;The ICC wholly accepts today&rsquo;s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa.</p>

<p>Rabada contested the ban saying that the incident was accidental and had appealed against the ban. The appeal was heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday in which he was found &quot;not guilty&quot; but he still he still gets a fine and one demerit point.</p>

<p>The South African management was confident and had already put Rabada&#39;s name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday at St George&#39;s Park, Port Elizabeth.</p>

<p><strong>South African squad:</strong></p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and <strong>Kagiso Rabada.</strong></p>


South African was confident and had already put Rabada's name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday

New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron has declared Kagiso Rabada as not guilty of level two offence, though, was imposed with a sanction of a fine of 25% of his match fee and will receive one demerit point. Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off. BREAKING: Rabada cleared to play next #SAvAUS Test! However, he still gets a fine and one demerit point. ➡️ https://t.co/Doji6J7CFl pic.twitter.com/CLUrqTmcmo — ICC (@ICC) March 20, 2018 × ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "The ICC wholly accepts today’s decision and I would like to thank Mr. Heron for overseeing the hearing in a short time frame before the next Test starts in South Africa. Rabada contested the ban saying that the incident was accidental and had appealed against the ban. The appeal was heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday in which he was found "not guilty" but he still he still gets a fine and one demerit point. The South African management was confident and had already put Rabada's name in the 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth. South African squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada.

Kagiso Rabada 'not guilty' of level 2 offence, available for next match

<p>Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series.</p>

<p>Australia won the first match took the lead but South Africa levelled the series 1-1 by winning the second Test match.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">Kagiso Rabada</a>&nbsp;had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off.</p>

<p>Rabada earned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kagiso-rabada-faces-suspension-for-disrespecting-steve-smith-35308">3 demerit points</a>&nbsp;which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban which Rabada is contesting currently.</p>

<p>His&nbsp;appeal against a&nbsp;ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours.</p>

<p>The third Test match is scheduled to take place from March 22 at St George&#39;s Park, Port Elizabeth for which&nbsp;South Africa has announced its squad&nbsp;list in which Kagiso Rabada has been included along with two other fast bowlers&nbsp;in case he loses his appeal against a ban.</p>

<p>Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>South African squad:</strong></p>

<p>Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and <strong>Kagiso Rabada</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad in case Kagiso Rabada loses his appeal against a ban

Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia won the first match took the lead but South Africa levelled the series 1-1 by winning the second Test match. Kagiso Rabada had faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe in the second match due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off. Rabada earned 3 demerit points which took him to the eight-point threshold which triggers an automatic two-match ban which Rabada is contesting currently. His appeal against a ban for the last two Tests of the series will be heard by New Zealand judicial commissioner Michael Heron by teleconference on Monday, with a verdict due to be announced within 48 hours. The third Test match is scheduled to take place from March 22 at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth for which South Africa has announced its squad list in which Kagiso Rabada has been included along with two other fast bowlers in case he loses his appeal against a ban. Duanne Olivier and Chris Morris have been included in a 17-man squad for the test that starts at Newlands on Thursday. South African squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Theunis de Bruyn, AB de Villiers, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada

Despite ban, Kagiso Rabada named in South Africa's squad against Australia

<p>Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League&#39;s inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shayne Warne, not as a player but as a mentor.</p>

<p>On his return, he said, &quot;I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey.</p>

<p>In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life.</p>

<p>Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-squad-analysis-of-ms-dhonis-yellow-brigade-35660">IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni&#39;s &#39;Yellow Brigade&#39;</a></strong></p>

<p>If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions and used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane.</p>

<p>During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England&#39;s all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr.</p>

<p>Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune&#39;s talent have landed in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour.</p>

<p>Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D&#39;Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat.</p>

<p>Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan&nbsp;and there is&nbsp;a depth of batting in&nbsp;line up in the form of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler.</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2018-all-teams-and-their-squad-list-653#photo-36184">IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and can provide a winning essence to the team.</p>

<p>Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent.</p>

<p>All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is massive in terms of variety but if any player misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced.</p>

<p><b>Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals:</b>&nbsp;Steve Smith,&nbsp;Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, D&#39;Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Anureet Singh, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Shreyas Gopal, MS Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Ben Laughlin, Mahipal Lomror, Aryaman Birla, Jatin Saxena, Dushmantha Chameera</p>

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<p>From Dhoni to Kohli, here&#39;s a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network)</p>
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Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Royals, the winner of Indian Premier League's inaugural edition, have marked an exciting return after a two-year ban with a very special and important cricketer, Shayne Warne, not as a player but as a mentor. On his return, he said, "I am very happy and excited to be back with the Rajasthan Royals who I believe hold a very special place in my cricketing journey. In the year 2015, Rajasthan Royals was found guilty in an illegal betting and match-fixing probe along with another IPL giant, Chennai Super Kings. The panel also suspended Royals co-owner Raj Kundra from all cricket-related activities for life. Now, the franchise is owned by Manoj Badale along with Aditya Chellaram, Lachlan Murdoch, Ryan Tkalcevic and Suresh Chellaram. IPL 2018: Squad analysis of MS Dhoni's 'Yellow Brigade' If we talk about the team, Rajasthan Royals had retained an aggressive and intense Australian batsman Steve Smith before entering the auctions and used Right To Match card (RTM) to purchase calm and composed Ajinkya Rahane. During the auction, they had shown an intent of structuring a well-balanced team by purchasing a variety of players. They made the most expensive buys of all time in the form of England's all-rounder, Ben Stokes for an amount of 12.5 cr. Steve Smith-led Royals look alike another Pune Super Giants as most of Pune's talent have landed in Rajasthan. They are definitely banking upon more overseas players especially all-rounders, who can provide options to the team but they do have a tangy Indian obscure flavour. Foreigners like, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, D'Arcy Short, are some crucial investments along with Indian talents Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat. Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane will probably open for Rajasthan and there is a depth of batting in line up in the form of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler. IPL 2018: All teams and their squad list Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny have a good IPL record and can provide a winning essence to the team. Jayadev Unadkat, the best purchase when it comes to bowling along with Dhawal Kulkarni, Jofra Archer but the team lacks in spin department as spinners Dushmantha Chameera and K Gowtham need to prove their talents in a larger extent. All in all, Rajasthan Royals is a team whose playing XI is massive in terms of variety but if any player misfires or suffers an injury then the option of replacement is less as the bench is comparatively inexperienced. Here is the complete squad of the Rajasthan Royals: Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Ajinkya Rahane, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, D'Arcy Short, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Anureet Singh, Zahir Khan Pakteen, Shreyas Gopal, MS Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Ben Laughlin, Mahipal Lomror, Aryaman Birla, Jatin Saxena, Dushmantha Chameera From Dhoni to Kohli, here's a list of all the leading run-scorers in IPL. Number 1 rank might surprise you (Zee News Network) ×

IPL 2018: Squad analysis of Rajasthan Royals, the prodigal son returns

<p>South African seamer Vernon Philander has said his Twitter account was hacked after an inflammatory message was posted suggesting Australian captain Steve Smith could have avoided an incident that resulted in Kagiso Rabada being suspended.</p>

<p>Fast bowler Rabada made contact with Smith&#39;s shoulder after dismissing him in the first innings of their six-wicket victory in the second test in Port Elizabeth.</p>

<p>He was later found guilty of &quot;inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player&quot; by the International&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Council (ICC) and will miss the rest of the four-match series.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old, who took 11 wickets in the match, has appealed the decision.</p>

<p>The tweet, which had a video clip of the incident attached, said Smith was equally guilty and had milked the incident.</p>

<p>&quot;Haven&#39;t really seen the footage of this incident but by the looks of this ... Steve Smith gave KG (Rabada) the shoulder,&quot; it said.</p>

<p>&quot;He could have avoided any contact but to me, he is just as guilty. Trying some football skills to get a penalty??? Pity he didn&#39;t dive to top it off.&quot;</p>

<p>Early on Thursday, however, Philander distanced himself from the comment, saying someone else had posted to his 185,000 followers.</p>

<p>&quot;Waking up this morning to a lot of twitter craziness as my acc got hacked and someone posted a nice little article on my behalf,&quot; he posted after deleting the original message.</p>

<p>&quot;Sorry for all the drama or entertainment caused by the looks of it.&quot;</p>

<p>The episode is the latest twist in a tempestuous test series that has seen five players punished by the ICC.</p>

<p>In the first test in Durban, security cameras captured a heated argument between Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after the teams left the field for tea on the fourth day.</p>

<p>Warner said the wicketkeeper had made &quot;vile and disgusting&quot; comments about his wife.</p>

<p>Warner was fined 75 percent of his match fee, while de Kock was fined 25 percent. Both were given demerit points.</p>

<p>Rabada was handed three demerit points for the shoulder bump in Port Elizabeth, taking him to eight within a two-year period, which triggered an automatic two-match suspension.</p>

<p>He was also given another demerit point for a send-off of Warner in the second innings.</p>

<p>Australians Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh are the other players to receive fines and demerit points in the series.</p>

<p>The third match in the series, which is level at 1-1, starts in Cape Town on March 22.</p>


Vernon Philander deleted the tweet which had a video clip of the incident attached and captioned as Smith was equally guilty and had milked the incident

South African seamer Vernon Philander has said his Twitter account was hacked after an inflammatory message was posted suggesting Australian captain Steve Smith could have avoided an incident that resulted in Kagiso Rabada being suspended. Fast bowler Rabada made contact with Smith's shoulder after dismissing him in the first innings of their six-wicket victory in the second test in Port Elizabeth. He was later found guilty of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player" by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will miss the rest of the four-match series. The 22-year-old, who took 11 wickets in the match, has appealed the decision. The tweet, which had a video clip of the incident attached, said Smith was equally guilty and had milked the incident. "Haven't really seen the footage of this incident but by the looks of this ... Steve Smith gave KG (Rabada) the shoulder," it said. "He could have avoided any contact but to me, he is just as guilty. Trying some football skills to get a penalty??? Pity he didn't dive to top it off." Early on Thursday, however, Philander distanced himself from the comment, saying someone else had posted to his 185,000 followers. "Waking up this morning to a lot of twitter craziness as my acc got hacked and someone posted a nice little article on my behalf," he posted after deleting the original message. "Sorry for all the drama or entertainment caused by the looks of it." The episode is the latest twist in a tempestuous test series that has seen five players punished by the ICC. In the first test in Durban, security cameras captured a heated argument between Warner and South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock after the teams left the field for tea on the fourth day. Warner said the wicketkeeper had made "vile and disgusting" comments about his wife. Warner was fined 75 percent of his match fee, while de Kock was fined 25 percent. Both were given demerit points. Rabada was handed three demerit points for the shoulder bump in Port Elizabeth, taking him to eight within a two-year period, which triggered an automatic two-match suspension. He was also given another demerit point for a send-off of Warner in the second innings. Australians Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh are the other players to receive fines and demerit points in the series. The third match in the series, which is level at 1-1, starts in Cape Town on March 22.

Vernon Philander denies making Smith remarks, says account hacked

<p>Kagiso Rabada is appealing the guilty verdict handed to him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their code of conduct in a last-ditch bid to be able to play in the rest of the gripping test series against Australia.</p>

<p>Fast bowler Rabada was found guilty of &quot;inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player&quot; after leaning with his shoulder into Steve Smith when he dismissed the Australia captain in the first innings of South Africa&#39;s six wicket win in the second test in Port Elizabeth. The result levelled the four-match series at 1-1.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension.</p>

<p>&quot;ICC confirms that Kagiso Rabada has appealed against the level two breach following the incident with Steve Smith during the Port Elizabeth Test. ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner at the earliest opportunity and hearing details will be confirmed in due course,&quot; the governing body said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The ICC have 48 hours to appoint a commissioner and a hearing will be heard within a seven day period. Rabada will remain suspended unless the commissioner takes a decision to allow him to play in the third test in Cape Town starting on March 22.</p>

<p>Although there was contact made with Smith, Rabada maintains that it was accidental and at the time he was not even aware he had brushed against his opponent.</p>

<p>&quot;If I knew I did it deliberately, I wouldn&#39;t have gone to contest (the charge),&quot; Rabada told reporters after the game. &quot;I didn&#39;t even feel contact in that moment because I was so pumped up.&quot;</p>

<p>Smith has suggested the Australian team wanted Rabada to play the remainder of the series as the seamer rose to the top of the test bowling rankings following his performance in Port Elizabeth.</p>

<p>&quot;He&#39;s a world class bowler and you always want to come up against the best, that&#39;s for sure,&quot; Smith said. &quot;He&#39;s right up there. He&#39;s unbelievable the way he&#39;s been bowling.</p>

<p>&quot;If he&#39;s there, he&#39;s there... if he&#39;s not, he&#39;s not. It&#39;s our job to try and play some better cricket.&quot;</p>

<p>Rabada is the fifth player to be punished by the ICC in what has been a tempestuous test series so far along with Australians David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh, and South African Quinton de Kock.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension.

Kagiso Rabada is appealing the guilty verdict handed to him by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching their code of conduct in a last-ditch bid to be able to play in the rest of the gripping test series against Australia. Fast bowler Rabada was found guilty of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player" after leaning with his shoulder into Steve Smith when he dismissed the Australia captain in the first innings of South Africa's six wicket win in the second test in Port Elizabeth. The result levelled the four-match series at 1-1. The 22-year-old, who took 11-150 in the game, was fined 50 percent of his match fee and given three demerit points, which took him past the tally of eight that triggers an automatic two-game suspension. "ICC confirms that Kagiso Rabada has appealed against the level two breach following the incident with Steve Smith during the Port Elizabeth Test. ICC will now appoint a Judicial Commissioner at the earliest opportunity and hearing details will be confirmed in due course," the governing body said on Wednesday. The ICC have 48 hours to appoint a commissioner and a hearing will be heard within a seven day period. Rabada will remain suspended unless the commissioner takes a decision to allow him to play in the third test in Cape Town starting on March 22. Although there was contact made with Smith, Rabada maintains that it was accidental and at the time he was not even aware he had brushed against his opponent. "If I knew I did it deliberately, I wouldn't have gone to contest (the charge)," Rabada told reporters after the game. "I didn't even feel contact in that moment because I was so pumped up." Smith has suggested the Australian team wanted Rabada to play the remainder of the series as the seamer rose to the top of the test bowling rankings following his performance in Port Elizabeth. "He's a world class bowler and you always want to come up against the best, that's for sure," Smith said. "He's right up there. He's unbelievable the way he's been bowling. "If he's there, he's there... if he's not, he's not. It's our job to try and play some better cricket." Rabada is the fifth player to be punished by the ICC in what has been a tempestuous test series so far along with Australians David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh, and South African Quinton de Kock.

Cricket: Rabada to appeal guilty verdict and keep series hopes alive

<p>Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia currently lead the highly controversial and dramatic series by 1-0.</p>

<p>After <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">David Warner and Quinton de Kock</a> row, now Kagiso Rabada has faced a level two charge by the match referee&nbsp;Jeff Crowe and&nbsp;now might miss the last two Tests of the ongoing series.</p>

<p>The level 2 charge&nbsp;has been implied due to&nbsp;the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off&nbsp;on the first day of the opening Test.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> This nudge between Rabada and Smith will no doubt be reviewed by the match referee <a href="https://t.co/2ln0tmTOln">pic.twitter.com/2ln0tmTOln</a></p>
&mdash; Michael Sherman (@Golfhackno1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Golfhackno1/status/972089842237607936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An aggressive send off to steven smith by kagiso rabada. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvsAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvsAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/F9gHKVGTOQ">pic.twitter.com/F9gHKVGTOQ</a></p>
&mdash; Alauddin Khilji (@AlauddinKhilj10) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlauddinKhilj10/status/972088511703625728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>If a player receives four or more demerit points within a two-year period, these are converted into suspension points. A suspension point amounts to a ban from one test or two ODIs, or two T20s, whichever come first.</p>

<p>Though, Rabada said that he will contest all the allegations as the charges related to the incident is false. The contact was accidental not deliberated.</p>

<p>In just one game, a lot of things has happened already and the ugly side of cricket is visible. Recently, Australian <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bowler-nathan-lyon-fined-for-disrespecting-ab-de-villiers-34801">off-spinner Nathan Lyon</a> was booked by ICC for disrespecting former South African skipper <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bowler-nathan-lyon-fined-for-disrespecting-ab-de-villiers-34801">AB de Villiers</a>.</p>

<p>Also, ICC has charged <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">David Warner</a> with 75 per cent of match fee from the first test and given three demerit points for a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">level two charge</a> of bringing the game into disrepute because of an ugly verbal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164">confrontation with De Kock</a>.</p>

<p>Quinton de Kock was fined 25 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point for the heated off-field exchange.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kagiso Rabada has faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe on the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off on the first day of the opening Test

Australia is currently on the tour of South Africa to play a four-match Test series. Australia currently lead the highly controversial and dramatic series by 1-0. After David Warner and Quinton de Kock row, now Kagiso Rabada has faced a level two charge by the match referee Jeff Crowe and now might miss the last two Tests of the ongoing series. The level 2 charge has been implied due to the incident when Rabada made a shoulder contact with Australian skipper Steve Smith after sending him off on the first day of the opening Test. Watch the video here: #SAvAUS This nudge between Rabada and Smith will no doubt be reviewed by the match referee pic.twitter.com/2ln0tmTOln — Michael Sherman (@Golfhackno1) March 9, 2018 × An aggressive send off to steven smith by kagiso rabada. #SAvAUS #SAvsAUS pic.twitter.com/F9gHKVGTOQ — Alauddin Khilji (@AlauddinKhilj10) March 9, 2018 × If a player receives four or more demerit points within a two-year period, these are converted into suspension points. A suspension point amounts to a ban from one test or two ODIs, or two T20s, whichever come first. Though, Rabada said that he will contest all the allegations as the charges related to the incident is false. The contact was accidental not deliberated. In just one game, a lot of things has happened already and the ugly side of cricket is visible. Recently, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon was booked by ICC for disrespecting former South African skipper AB de Villiers. Also, ICC has charged David Warner with 75 per cent of match fee from the first test and given three demerit points for a level two charge of bringing the game into disrepute because of an ugly verbal confrontation with De Kock. Quinton de Kock was fined 25 percent of his match fee and given one demerit point for the heated off-field exchange.

Kagiso Rabada faces suspension for disrespecting Steve Smith

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/warner-de-kock-fined-for-bringing-the-game-into-disrepute-35164" target="_blank">Australian skipper Steve Smith</a> won the toss and opted to bat on the opening day of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bowler-nathan-lyon-fined-for-disrespecting-ab-de-villiers-34801" target="_blank">second test against South Africa</a> at St George&rsquo;s Park on Friday.</p>

<p>Australia have picked the same team for the seventh successive test.</p>

<p>Despite being a bowling pitch, Smith took the long view of not having to bat last on a pitch that aids reverse swing.</p>

<p>&quot;There is a little bit of grass on it and it might do a little bit this morning, but if we can get through that and post a big first innings total then reverse swing becomes important later on,&quot; said Smith&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Invincibles have won the first test by 118 runs in Durban and can end South Africa&rsquo;s hopes of a series victory with another win in Port Elizabeth in the four-match series.</p>

<p>&quot;It was a nice start (in Durban), we played some really good cricket. We want to keep up the pressure this week,&rdquo; the skipper added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, South African captain Faf du Plessis said he was relieved that the decision to bat or bowl was taken out of his hands.</p>

<p>&quot;I was extremely happy to lose the toss,&quot; Du Plessis said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;I was 50-50, we probably would have gone with bowling first. With the conditions today and the forecast over the next five days, it won&rsquo;t get too hot so the pitch won&rsquo;t deteriorate much.&quot;</p>

<p>The home side has made one change to their line-up, bringing in seamer Lungi Ngidi for the more experienced Morne Morkel, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket after this series.&nbsp;</p>


Australia have picked the same team for the seventh successive test

Australian skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat on the opening day of the second test against South Africa at St George’s Park on Friday. Australia have picked the same team for the seventh successive test. Despite being a bowling pitch, Smith took the long view of not having to bat last on a pitch that aids reverse swing. "There is a little bit of grass on it and it might do a little bit this morning, but if we can get through that and post a big first innings total then reverse swing becomes important later on," said Smith The Invincibles have won the first test by 118 runs in Durban and can end South Africa’s hopes of a series victory with another win in Port Elizabeth in the four-match series. "It was a nice start (in Durban), we played some really good cricket. We want to keep up the pressure this week,” the skipper added. Meanwhile, South African captain Faf du Plessis said he was relieved that the decision to bat or bowl was taken out of his hands. "I was extremely happy to lose the toss," Du Plessis said. "I was 50-50, we probably would have gone with bowling first. With the conditions today and the forecast over the next five days, it won’t get too hot so the pitch won’t deteriorate much." The home side has made one change to their line-up, bringing in seamer Lungi Ngidi for the more experienced Morne Morkel, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket after this series.

2nd Test: Steve Smith wins toss, opts to bat against South Africa

<p>Kagiso Rabada produced a sublime spell of bowling to take five wickets as Australia were dismissed for 243 in their first innings on the opening day of the second test on Friday.</p>

<p>Rabada began expensively before lunch, conceding 47 runs, but then returned to claim five wickets for the loss of just 13 runs on either side of tea and effectively turn the game around.</p>

<p>South Africa were 39 for one wicket in reply at the close, losing Aiden Markram for 11 runs.</p>

<p>Rabada completed a fine day&#39;s performance coming in as the nightwatchman and scoring an unbeaten 17 runs off 14 balls. He will resume with Dean Elgar, who is 11 not out, on Saturday.</p>

<p>Rabada finished with bowling figures of 5-96 while the 21-year-old Lungi Ngidi, who was a surprise pick ahead of Morne Morkel, took 3-51 including bowling David Warner for 63.</p>

<p>Warner, who was also slow to get going, found some flow late in the morning and reached 50 at lunch.</p>

<p>The Australian opener had been the focus of much of the build-up to the second test after an ugly spat last Sunday with South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock in the first test in Durban, which the tourists won by 118 runs.</p>

<p>Warner was eventually bowled for 63 on Friday as Australia reached 117-3 but it was only when Rabada trapped captain Steve Smith lbw for 25 that the wickets began to tumble.</p>

<p>Five went down for just for 21 runs as Rabada also dismissed the Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, and then Pat Cummins for a golden duck after tea.</p>

<p>Mitchell Starc (8) was Rabada&#39;s fifth victim, clean bowled to leave Australia reeling on 182-8.</p>

<p>But Tim Paine scored 36 runs as Australia added 61 runs for the last two wickets to the frustration of home side. Paine was the last wicket to fall when Ngidi bowled him.</p>


Rabada began expensively before lunch, conceding 47 runs, but then returned to claim five wickets for the loss of just 13 runs on either side of tea and effectively turn the game around

Kagiso Rabada produced a sublime spell of bowling to take five wickets as Australia were dismissed for 243 in their first innings on the opening day of the second test on Friday. Rabada began expensively before lunch, conceding 47 runs, but then returned to claim five wickets for the loss of just 13 runs on either side of tea and effectively turn the game around. South Africa were 39 for one wicket in reply at the close, losing Aiden Markram for 11 runs. Rabada completed a fine day's performance coming in as the nightwatchman and scoring an unbeaten 17 runs off 14 balls. He will resume with Dean Elgar, who is 11 not out, on Saturday. Rabada finished with bowling figures of 5-96 while the 21-year-old Lungi Ngidi, who was a surprise pick ahead of Morne Morkel, took 3-51 including bowling David Warner for 63. Warner, who was also slow to get going, found some flow late in the morning and reached 50 at lunch. The Australian opener had been the focus of much of the build-up to the second test after an ugly spat last Sunday with South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock in the first test in Durban, which the tourists won by 118 runs. Warner was eventually bowled for 63 on Friday as Australia reached 117-3 but it was only when Rabada trapped captain Steve Smith lbw for 25 that the wickets began to tumble. Five went down for just for 21 runs as Rabada also dismissed the Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, and then Pat Cummins for a golden duck after tea. Mitchell Starc (8) was Rabada's fifth victim, clean bowled to leave Australia reeling on 182-8. But Tim Paine scored 36 runs as Australia added 61 runs for the last two wickets to the frustration of home side. Paine was the last wicket to fall when Ngidi bowled him.

South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test: Rabada grabs five to leave Australia reeling

<p>Australia maintains its winning streak by claiming an innings victory over England in fifth Ashes Test and whitewashed England by completing a 4-0 series.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Nathon Lyon took three wickets for 54 off 35 overs.&nbsp;</span>Pat Cummins struck twice just after the lunch break. He took&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Jonny Bairstow leg before wicket for 38 and having Stuart Broad caught behind off a short ball for four. For his outstanding performance, he got Man of the Match also he was the leading wicket-taker in the series by taking 23 wickets.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;To get through the five Tests and end the series here at home. I couldn&#39;t&nbsp;</span>ask<span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&nbsp;for much more,&quot; said Cummins.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Australian captain Steve Smith seemed exponentially happy after&nbsp;winning the series and receiving the honour of Man of the Series on which he said,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;It has been a great couple of months. The cricket that we have played in the last couple of months has been outstanding&quot;</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">&quot;We have just been able to get on top and win those key moments and not let them back in the game which is crucial,&quot; he added.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">England finished at 180 for nine off 88.1 overs as Australia won by an innings and 123 runs.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Joe Root did not come out to bat after lunch as he continued to experience discomfort after his overnight stomach bug.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">England&#39;s remote chances of saving the Test disappeared when Root failed to appear at the crease after lunch.</span></p>

<p><span style="background-color: rgb(245, 246, 245);">Australian bowlers struck hard, Aussie took a grip on the final Test with a massive 303-run innings lead and then reduced the battle-weary tourists to 93 for four at the close on the fourth day.</span></p>

<p><b>Scoreboard</b>:</p>

<p>England first innings 346 (J. Root 83, D. Malan 62; P. Cummins 4-80)</p>

<p>Australia first innings 649 for 7 declared (U. Khawaja 171, S. Marsh 156, M. Marsh 101; M. Ali 2-170)</p>

<p>England second innings (overnight 93 for 4)</p>

<p>A. Cook&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; b Lyon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;10</p>

<p>M. Stoneman&nbsp; lbw b Starc&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;0</p>

<p>J. Vince&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Smith b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;18</p>

<p>J. Root&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; retired ill&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;58</p>

<p>D. Malan&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;lbw b Lyon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;5</p>

<p>J. Bairstow&nbsp; lbw b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 38</p>

<p>M. Ali&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;lbw b Lyon&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;13</p>

<p>T. Curran&nbsp; &nbsp; not out&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 23</p>

<p>S. Broad&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Paine b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;4</p>

<p>M. Crane&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;c Paine b Cummins&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2&nbsp;</p>

<p>J. Anderson&nbsp; c Paine b Hazlewood&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 2&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Total</b> (all out; 88.1 overs)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 180</p>

<p><b>Fall of wickets</b>: 1-5 (Stoneman), 2-15 (Cook), 3-43 (Vince), 4-68 (Malan), 5-121 (Ali), 6-144 (Bairstow), 7-148 (Broad), 8-156 (Crane), 9-180 (Anderson)</p>

<p><b>Bowling</b>: Starc 16-4-38-1, Hazlewood 17.1-6-36-1, Lyon 35-12-54-3, Cummins 17-4-39-4, Smith 2-0-6-0, M. Marsh 1-1-0-0</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Australians took a grip on the final Test with a massive 303-run innings lead and then reduced the battle-weary tourists to 93 for four at the close on the fourth day.

Australia maintains its winning streak by claiming an innings victory over England in fifth Ashes Test and whitewashed England by completing a 4-0 series. Nathon Lyon took three wickets for 54 off 35 overs. Pat Cummins struck twice just after the lunch break. He took Jonny Bairstow leg before wicket for 38 and having Stuart Broad caught behind off a short ball for four. For his outstanding performance, he got Man of the Match also he was the leading wicket-taker in the series by taking 23 wickets. "To get through the five Tests and end the series here at home. I couldn't ask for much more," said Cummins. Australian captain Steve Smith seemed exponentially happy after winning the series and receiving the honour of Man of the Series on which he said, "It has been a great couple of months. The cricket that we have played in the last couple of months has been outstanding" "We have just been able to get on top and win those key moments and not let them back in the game which is crucial," he added. England finished at 180 for nine off 88.1 overs as Australia won by an innings and 123 runs. Joe Root did not come out to bat after lunch as he continued to experience discomfort after his overnight stomach bug. England's remote chances of saving the Test disappeared when Root failed to appear at the crease after lunch. Australian bowlers struck hard, Aussie took a grip on the final Test with a massive 303-run innings lead and then reduced the battle-weary tourists to 93 for four at the close on the fourth day. Scoreboard: England first innings 346 (J. Root 83, D. Malan 62; P. Cummins 4-80) Australia first innings 649 for 7 declared (U. Khawaja 171, S. Marsh 156, M. Marsh 101; M. Ali 2-170) England second innings (overnight 93 for 4) A. Cook b Lyon 10 M. Stoneman lbw b Starc 0 J. Vince c Smith b Cummins 18 J. Root retired ill 58 D. Malan lbw b Lyon 5 J. Bairstow lbw b Cummins 38 M. Ali lbw b Lyon 13 T. Curran not out 23 S. Broad c Paine b Cummins 4 M. Crane c Paine b Cummins 2 J. Anderson c Paine b Hazlewood 2 Total (all out; 88.1 overs) 180 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Stoneman), 2-15 (Cook), 3-43 (Vince), 4-68 (Malan), 5-121 (Ali), 6-144 (Bairstow), 7-148 (Broad), 8-156 (Crane), 9-180 (Anderson) Bowling: Starc 16-4-38-1, Hazlewood 17.1-6-36-1, Lyon 35-12-54-3, Cummins 17-4-39-4, Smith 2-0-6-0, M. Marsh 1-1-0-0

Ashes: Oz beat England in final Test, seal series by 4-0

<p>Australian skipper Steve Smith gave one of the hilarious moments of the summer by screaming in panic at Shaun and Mitchell Marsh&nbsp;to get back in their creases.</p>

<p>Marsh hit a ball punched a drive through cover off to bring up his second Test match hundred on day four at the Sydney Cricket Ground.</p>

<p>During a second run, Mitch grabbed Shaun for a mid-pitch hug, forgetting that completing the run and reaching their respective crease was required</p>

<p>But, it was the response of captain Smith that stole the show for viewers.</p>

<p>Smith sitting with teammates in the stands, rose for a standing ovation for Mitch, before going blank in the face as the potential for a run out became clear.</p>

<p>The worried Smith had put his hands on his head and appeared to mouth something as teammates around laughed hysterically at their animated captain.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Smith&#39;s reaction ???????? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/C3uIDPwver">pic.twitter.com/C3uIDPwver</a></p>
&mdash; cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/949805286977560576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Social media went into overdrive after Smith&#39;s footage became viral, with many agreeing it was a classic moment of the summer. &nbsp;</p>


Mitch grabbed Shaun for a mid-pitch hug, forgetting that completing the run and reaching their respective creases was required

Australian skipper Steve Smith gave one of the hilarious moments of the summer by screaming in panic at Shaun and Mitchell Marsh to get back in their creases. Marsh hit a ball punched a drive through cover off to bring up his second Test match hundred on day four at the Sydney Cricket Ground. During a second run, Mitch grabbed Shaun for a mid-pitch hug, forgetting that completing the run and reaching their respective crease was required But, it was the response of captain Smith that stole the show for viewers. Smith sitting with teammates in the stands, rose for a standing ovation for Mitch, before going blank in the face as the potential for a run out became clear. The worried Smith had put his hands on his head and appeared to mouth something as teammates around laughed hysterically at their animated captain. Steve Smith's reaction ???????? #Ashes pic.twitter.com/C3uIDPwver — cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 7, 2018 × Social media went into overdrive after Smith's footage became viral, with many agreeing it was a classic moment of the summer.

Steve Smith's reaction to Mitchell Marsh's century is the best thing in the Ashes so far

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