Ball-tampering culprits sent back to Oz

Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, the player caught on camera attempting to doctor the ball with a piece of tape, will all return home.

“I understand and share the anger and disappointment of Australian fans,” Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland said at a press conference in Johannesburg.

“On behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to apologise to all Australians that these events have taken place, especially to all the kids.”

Further sanctions are expected to be announced within the next 24 hours, Sutherland said.

Smith has already been suspended for one Test and docked his entire match fee by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in a scandal which has seen Australian cricket’s reputation dragged through the mud.

Sutherland said Lehmann had had no knowledge of the plans to tamper the ball.

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