ICC hands a match ban to Australian captain Steve Smith for ball-tampering

Australia skipper Steve Smith has been given a one-match suspension and fined 100% of his match fee for his part in the recent ball-tampering incident amid the third test against South Africa in Cape Town, the International Cricket Council said on Sunday.

Smith, who stepped down from the captaincy prior on Sunday, had accepted the charge, cricket’s worldwide administering body said in an announcement.

“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% of his match fee and given three demerit points after he was caught on camera tampering with the ball on day three of the third test.

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