Steve Smith has stepped down as Australian captain for the remainder of the third Test with South Africa following the now infamous ball tampering scandal.
The incident took place on Saturday during South Africa’s second innings and the International Cricket Council has already charged Cameron Bancroft, the player at the heart of the incident which was caught on TV cameras, with Smith admitting that it was a decision taken by the “leadership group” within the team.
Vice-captain David Warner has also been stood down by Cricket Australia with Tim Paine named as the captain for the remainder of the match in Cape Town.
Here is how the fans have reacted to the move by Steve Smith and David Warner:
It was only a few months ago the Aussie Leadership group held the CA Board to ransom for a better deal so I am pretty sure they won’t have as many friends as they think at CA … !!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 25, 2018
Gaur se Dekhiye is shaks ko. Oscar – the cameraman. Inke camera se bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai #SandpaperGate pic.twitter.com/NH5EGSdbuJ
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 24, 2018
That #SteveSmith along with other senior players planned Ball Tampering is disappointing, but he involved young Cameron Bancroft in the plan is disgraceful. I believe he should take responsibility & step down from captaincy immediately to set a better example instead. #AusVsSa
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) March 25, 2018
🎵🎺
Steve Smith is an Aussie
He wears a baggy cap
And when he saw some sticky tape
He said I'm having that…
He gave it Cameron Bancroft
Who rubbed it on the ball
Those cheating Aussie convicts
They'll never change at all!Credit: @SJL_81
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) March 25, 2018
How can a 1 test match ban be a deterrent for ball tampering….it’s cheating!!!
— Charlotte Edwards (@C_Edwards23) March 24, 2018
Steve Smith and David Warner have stood down as captain and vice-captain for the remainder of this Test, Tim Paine appointed as captain.#SAvsAUS
— Naviguys (@naviguys) March 25, 2018
Steve Smith and David Warner have QUIT Australian cricket for the rest of the season due to cheating scandal
— Sports Today Live (@SportsLIVEToday) March 25, 2018
Steve Smith and David Warner resigned from their posts of captain and vice captain, respectively. The resignation was tendered over ball tempering scandal during the ongoing test match between Aus and SA. Massive respect for showing this level of character.
— Lak (@PrescribedMyths) March 25, 2018
https://twitter.com/_amudhank/status/977830708528861185
Hahahahahahaa Steve Smith and David Warner you disgraceful pair of knobs!! #BallTampering
— Sonal (@Sonal__94) March 25, 2018
#SteveSmith and #DavidWarner stand down as Aussie captain and vice-captain. @rajasthanroyals and @SunRisers must also look for replacements. @IPL
— Ajeet Tiwari (@atiru51) March 25, 2018
