Steve Smith and David Warner handed 12-month suspensions

Steve Smith and David Warner have been banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia for their role in the ball-tampering scandal.

Their Australia team-mate Cameron Bancroft has been handed a nine-month suspension and the bans will include all top-level cricket in Australia for the next year. All three have the option to appeal and face a hearing in front of an independent commissioner.

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Bancroft was caught on camera attempting to change the condition of the ball while Australia were in the field during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

And Cricket Australia have found that Bancroft used sandpaper to rough up the ball at Newlands, and not sticky tape as he originally stated.

Cricket Australia say the only players aware of the plan were Bancroft, captain Smith and vice-captain Warner and the three players have been sent home ahead of the fourth Test, which starts in Johannesburg later this week.

Cricket Australia have also said Warner "will not be considered for team leadership positions in the future", while Smith and Bancroft will not be considered for such roles until 12 months after their bans end.

In addition, all three players will be required to undertake 100 hours of voluntary service in community cricket.

Cricket Australia chairman David Peever said: "The CA board understands and shares the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about these events.

"They go to the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport and the penalties must reflect that.

"These are significant penalties for professional players and the Board does not impose them lightly.

"It is hoped that, following a period of suspension, the players will be able to return to playing the game they love and eventually rebuild their careers."

The trio will be allowed to compete in club cricket but cannot take part in state or international games for the duration of their bans.

Matt Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been called up as replacements by Australia and Tim Paine, who took over from Smith as captain mid-match in Cape Town, was officially named captain of the Test team on Tuesday.

Smith and Warner have also now been banned from the 2018 Indian Premier League - having already stepped down as captains of their respective teams.

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