Steve Smith banned and fined for part in ball-tampering scandal during Australia Test against South Africa

Australia captain Steve Smith has been given a one-match suspension and fined 100 per cent of his match fee for his part in ball-tampering incident during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, the International Cricket Council said on Sunday. Smith, who stepped down from the captaincy earlier on Sunday, had accepted the charge, cricket's global governing body said in a statement. "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." Australia opener Cameron Bancroft has been fined 75 per cent of his match fee and handed three demerit points after he was caught on camera tampering with the ball on Day 3 of the Test. ______________ Read more Steve Smith must resign as Australia cricket captain to preserve the Baggy Green identity ______________

Steve Smith banned and fined for part in ball-tampering scandal during Australia Test against South Africa

Decision comes amid admission that they had orchestrated attempt to cheat by tampering ball in ongoing match against South Africa