Ball-tampering row: RR likely to drop Steve Smith as skipper 

Notably, RR is making a comeback in the cash-rich league after facing two-year suspension.

Earlier in the day, Smith admitted ball-tampering and stepped down as the skipper.

David Waner also agreed to stand down as vice-captain.

Tim Paine will be Australia’s captain till the conclusion of South Africa versus Australia Test series.

“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 #SAvAUS Test,” said Cricket Australia.

Also Read: The biggest ball-tampering incidents in the game of Cricket

The decision comes on the back of the ongoing ball-tampering issue, with Cameron Bancroft caught on cameras using what is believed to be a tape before attempting to hide the object on the third day of the Cape Town Test on Saturday.

Smith and Bancroft admitted to the offence after play on the day, and Bancroft was charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for altering the conditions of the ball.

A contrite Smith and Bancroft later addressed a press conference, admitting to ball-tampering and apologised for their actions.

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.

“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.”

CA chairman David Peever said: “The Board fully supports the process for an immediate investigation into what occurred in Cape Town.