This story is from March 24, 2018

Bancroft, Smith admit ball-tampering: Highlights

Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft and captain Steve Smith admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday.
Bancroft, Smith admit ball-tampering: Highlights
Bancroft (R) throws the ball to umpire Richard Illingworth. (AFP Photo)
Key Highlights
  • Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft, the fielder chosen to carry out the tampering, admitted to cheating after Bancroft was caught on television
  • Smith and other senior Australia players decided they will tamper with the ball
  • Bancroft was chosen as the player to do the tampering because he is in the vicinity of the discussion between the senior players
Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft and captain Steve Smith admitted to ball-tampering during the third Test against South Africa on Saturday. Bancroft was caught on television cameras appearing to rub a yellow object on the ball.
Here's how the controversy has unfolded
* Television footage appeared to show Cameron Bancroft take an object out of his pocket while fielding on the third day of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town.

ALSO READ: How Australia hatched a plan to cheat
* Bancroft was then seen tucking the object down the front of his trousers before he spoke to on-field umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth.
* When umpires talked to Bancroft, the batsman produced what seemed to be a black sunglasses bag from his right pocket in way of explanation.
* The TV replays though seemed to suggest the player had put the other small yellow object down his trousers.
ALSO READ: Steve Smith fights for job and reputation after admitting ball-tampering plot
* The umpires were satisfied with Bancroft's explanation at the time and allowed the play to continue.

* During the post-match press briefing, Australia captain Steve Smith admitted that his side deliberately tried to tamper with the condition of the ball in an orchestrated attempt to gain an advantage.
* Bancroft has been charged by the International Cricket Council and Smith told reporters that it was a deliberate plan from the "leadership group" of the side, but added he would not step down as captain.
* Ball tampering is a level two offense in the International Cricket Council's code of conduct, which could result in a ban for any player found guilty.
* "The leadership group knew about it, we spoke about it at lunch," Smith said. "I am not proud of what has happened. It's not in the spirit of the game, my integrity and the integrity of the team has been damaged and rightfully so. It's not on and it won't happen again, I can promise you."
* South Africa opened up a potentially match-winning lead on day three, closing on 238 for five in their second innings to extend their advantage to 294 runs.
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