Amidst the reports of Steven Smith flying back home before the fourth Test, Cricket Australia has confirmed he is still in South Africa with the team and will stay there,
“Cricket Australia can confirm that all members of the touring Test squad currently remain in South Africa. Multiple media reports that suggest players have departed South Africa for home ports are inaccurate At this stage; players will remain in South Africa to assist CA with inquiries. Any outcomes from that process will be communicated in due course,” a statement from CA read as.
As the statement suggests, Smith will remain in South Africa to help out the cricket association in the investigation.
He will not be able to play the fourth Test after being banned by ICC for accepting the team planned to tamper the ball. The apex board also docked 100% of his match fee.
In coming days, Cricket Australia will conduct an inquiry to know the role of other members of the team in the Sandpaper Gate. During the third day’s play of the third Test, Cameron Bancroft was seen rubbing sandpaper on the ball.
It was only after the visuals were played on the giant screen when he got caught. The umpires took a note of it and took away the sandpaper.
However, the ball wasn’t changed, as the umpires deemed the condition of the ball was right. After stumps, Bancroft, along with Smith, addressed a press conference where they admitted to tamper with the ball.
They revealed that the team planned to change the condition of the ball to get undue advantage. At this point in time, only Smith and Bancroft have been fined.
Cricket Australia has decided to take stern action against players involved and has launched a probe. The result of the investigation will come out soon.
It is to be noted that both Smith and Warner stood down from the post of captain and vice-captain during the fourth day’s play. Australia, who looked to show some resistant during the four innings, bowed down to South Africa on a penultimate day.
They were bowled out for 107 in just 39.4 overs to lose the Test match by 322 runs.