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Ball-tampering row: Steve Smith steps down as Australia skipper
Canberra: After admitting ball-tampering, Steve Smith on Sunday stepped down as the captain of Australian Cricket team for the remainder of South Africa Test series.
David Warner has also agreed to stand down as vice-captain.
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.
"We regard this as a matter of the utmost seriousness and urgency. We will ensure we have all information available to make the right decisions for Australian Cricket."
