Australia set to decide on Steve Smith's fate as captain as 'a matter of urgency' following role in ball-tampering scandal
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland is set to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday 'to determine recommended outcomes'
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Your support makes all the difference.The chief executive of Cricket Australia is jetting out to South Africa to decide on Steve Smith's future as Test captain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal.
Smith has been banned from the fourth and final Test which starts on Friday, as well as being fined his entire match fee for the third Test by the International Cricket Council. Many are now convinced his role as captain has become untenable.
James Sutherland is set to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday "to determine recommended outcomes".
CA's head of integrity Iain Roy and Pat Howard, head of team performance, are due to land in Cape Town on Monday morning to begin an investigation into events during Saturday's play and Sutherland intends to discover exactly what happened "as a matter of urgency".
He said: "I am travelling to Johannesburg this evening and will arrive Tuesday morning local time to meet Iain to understand the findings of the investigation to that point, and to determine recommended outcomes. We know Australians want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings and next steps, as a matter of urgency."
Criticism in the wake of Cameron Bancroft's attempt to manipulate the ball with sticky tape and debris from the pitch has reached Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who called on CA to take "decisive action".
Whether England suffered at the hands of prohibited actions has become a burning question too.
Social media footage on Sunday showed Bancroft appearing to put sugar in his pocket during a break in play on day two of the final Ashes Test in Sydney.
CA would not comment when asked if that incident and series - which England lost 4-0 - would be reviewed.
England bowler Stuart Broad said he had no reason to suspect Australia employed illegal tactics against them, but is struggling to work out why they have chosen to do so in South Africa.
"I saw Steve Smith in his press conference say it's the first time they've tried it - which to me, it's surprising why they'd change a method that's been working," he said. "Look at the Ashes series we've just played, all those Test matches, and they've reverse-swung the ball sometimes in conditions you wouldn't expect it to."
CA also clarified that all of the Australia Test squad were currently in South Africa to help with the investigation after there had been reports that Smith had flown home.
A statement read: "Cricket Australia can confirm that all members of the touring Test squad currently remain in South Africa. At this stage, players will remain in South Africa to assist CA with inquiries."
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