Ball tampering

Ball tampering: What is it and why is it such a big deal?

The ball-tampering episode involving Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft has left reputations in tatters and angered and disappointed politicians, fans and former players alike.

Smith, who before the weekend was one of his country's most revered sportsmen, and Warner have both received 12-month bans by Cricket Australia Wednesday for their part in illegal tampering with the ball on day three of the third Test against South Africa.

Smith takes 'full responsibility'

Smith, who has been replaced as captain by Tim Paine and will not be considered for a leadership position for two years, was banned from international and domestic action for 12 months following a Cricket Australia (CA) investigation into the incident at Newlands.

Ball tampering: More repercussions likely - expert

Smith said that the team's "leadership group" had a plan, carried out by batsman Cameron Bancroft, to tamper with the ball to "get an advantage".

Smith will now miss the fourth and final Test of the series, and he has also been sacked from his lucrative position as captain of the Indian Premier League's Rajasthan Royals side.

Australian government agency, the Australian Sports Commission, is calling for the Smith to be immediately removed.

It's also calling for any other members of the team leadership group or coaches who knew about the scheme to also go.

Australian cricketers caught tampering with ball

However, he will not be stepping down as skipper.

Smith detailed an orchestrated effort from the team's "leadership group" to use sticky tape to pick up hard granules from the pitch and rub these against the ball to try to alter its condition and get it to swing.

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft, the most junior member in the side, was the player tasked with implementing the plan and he has been charged by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which could lead to a one-match ban and a 100 percent fine of his match fee.