Ball-tampering scandal, as it happened: Lehmann to step down as Australia coach after 4th Test; Somerset sack Bancroft

Somerset announce that Cameron Bancroft will no longer be their overseas player for the 2018 season.

Reports also suggest that Sutherland has confirmed he is not resigning. 

Reports coming in that Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland will address the media in an hour. 

JUST IN: Darren Lehmann to step down as Australia head coach after the fourth Test.

Watch Steve Smith's emotional press conference 

Steve Smith says it hurts him to see his parents hurt

An emotional Steve Smith says, "To see my old man in pain and to see my mom hurt. It is devastating and I'm truly sorry."

Smith 'sorry for pain he's brought Australia and fans'

"It hurts ... I'm deeply sorry. I love the game of cricket. I love entertaining young kids ... I just want to say sorry for the pain I've brought to Australia, to the fans and the public," Smith says.

Smith says he hopes he can be a force for change 

"If any good can come of this, if there can be a lesson to others then I hope I can be a force for change. I know I'll regret this for the rest of my life. I'm absolutely gutted. I hope in time I can earn back respect and forgiveness," Smith says.

Steve Smith's emotional apology to fans and teammates

"To all of my teammates, to fans of cricket all over the world and to all Australians who are disappointed and angry. I'm sorry," Smith says.

Steve Smith says he's absolutely devastated

"Cricket is the greatest sport in the world. It's been my life and I hope it can be again. I'm sorry and I'm absolutely devastated," Smith says.

Smith says he doesn't blame anyone but him

"I don't blame anyone. I'm the captain of the Australian team. It's on my watch and I take responsibility for what happened last Saturday," Smith says.

Steve Smith says this is first time his team have tampered with the ball

On being asked by a journalist if this is the first time his team have tampered with the ball, he said, "This is the first time this has happened. And I am sure this will never be happening again."

Steve Smith says Sandpapergate is failure of his leadership

An emotional Steve Smith almost breaks down while addressing the media. "I take full responsibility ... There was a failure of leadership, of my leadership. I'll do everything I can to make up for my mistake and the damage it's caused."

Smith, Warner and Bancroft could be barred from county cricket, reports say

According to The Sun, the trio at the heart of Sandpapergate could also see the door for county cricket shut on their faces as the furore over the scandal continues. Bancroft could lose his Somerset contract, while Smith and Warner could also be barred from playing county cricket after the duo were shut out of the IPL earlier.

Will Somerset sack Cameron Bancroft?

Reports coming in from Australia indicate that Somerset are under pressure from their members to sack Cameron Bancroft, who they only signed in December last year. The Australian cricketer was due to arrive as Somerset's overseas player next month. 

David Warner tweets apology to fans

Cricket Australia lose major sponsor

According to reports in Australia, wealth management company Magellan have ended a three-year deal with Cricket Australia due to the ball-tampering scandal. The association had started in August 2017, with the company having naming rights for the Ashes series in Australia. Some estimates say the deal is worth $20 million.

Steve Smith will address the media once he lands in Sydney. His presser will throw more light on the incident and its findings. Keep following Firstpost to read what unfolds in the press conference. 

Here are the charges against Cameron Bancroft:

Here are the charges against David Warner:

Here are the charges against Steve Smith:

Smith won't return to a leadership role for at least two years

Meanwhile, Warner will never be considered for team leadership positions in the future, Cricket Australia have confirmed.

Warner, Smith to be banned for one year, reports in Australia claim

While Cricket Australia are yet to make an official announcement, Australian journalists are claiming that Warner and Smith will be banned for a year. While Warner will continue to play in IPL, Smith won't. There's no official confirmation yet. 

David Warner steps down as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain

It's official! After Steve Smith stepped down as Rajasthan Royals captain, David Warner has also given up captaincy of the Sunrisers Hyderabad as the fallout of the #Sandpapergate continues. 

The key points from Sutherland's presser: 

Darren Lehmann will continue as Australia coach. 

Only three players - Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft - were involved in the Sandpaper gate. Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Renshaw and Joe Burns have been named as replacements. 

Tim Paine has been officially named captain. 

Cricket Australia are considering 'significant sanctions' and they will be announced in the next 24 hours. 

Sanctions will be issued tomorrow and they will be significant, says Sutherland. 

Darren Lehmann to continue coaching Australia. Only three players knew about ball-tampering, says Sutherland.

Steve Smith

David Warner

Cameron Bancroft

Cricket Australia begin probe in South Africa

According to news channels, Cricket Australia have begun their prove into the ball-tampering incident. Cameron Bancroft is reportedly the first one to be grilled. 

Could David Warner also lose Sunrisers Hyderabad captaincy?

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has told PTI that the franchise would wait for Cricket Australia's decision on captain David Warner before taking a call on his participation. 

Steve Smith steps down as Rajasthan Royals captain?

According to media reports, Steve Smith has given up the captaincy of Indian Premier League outfit Rajasthan Royals. The reports added that Ajinkya Rahane could take over as skipper.

Crucial hours for Steve Smith, Darren Lehmann and David Warner 

“The Cricket Australia Board has been fully updated on the issue and supports James (Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia) travelling to South Africa to manage the response to the investigation currently underway. We expect to be able to fully update the Australian public on the findings on Wednesday morning (Tuesday evening in Johannesburg).”

“We understand that everyone wants answers, but we must follow our due diligence before any further decisions are made,” Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever said in a statement put out by CA.

'Australians want answers'

“I am travelling to Johannesburg this evening and will arrive on Tuesday morning (local time) to meet Iain (Roy, Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Integrity) 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,” Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland has said in a statement.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland to travel to South Africa

According to a press release put out by Cricket Australia, CA's Executive General Manager for Team Performance Pat Howard and Senior Legal Counsel and Head of Integrity Iain Roy have already left for South Africa. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland will also join them in the Rainbow Nation by the end of the day.