Aussies skipper Steve Smith has fallen on his sword and sensationally stood down from his positon just before play was set to begin in South Africa amid a growing frenzy of calls for him to be sacked as cheating admissions rocked cricket. Smith and vice-captain Dave Warner made the decision to stand down after a fiery Sunday of condemnation and conversations with Cricket Australia senior officials. And both could be dumped full-time as soon as Tuesday after CA launched an investigation in the ball-tampering incident which even rocked the Prime Minister.

Captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner have been stood down from their leadership positions in Australia's cricket team for the rest of the third test against South Africa. Wicketkeeper Tim Paine will take over as skipper for the rest of the match in Cape Town, Cricket Australia confirmed. Australia took the field for day four of the third test with Smith and Warner in their ranks, but Paine in charge in the wake of the ball tampering furore on Saturday. CA chairman David Peever confirmed the board chose 33-year-old, Tim Paine as interim captain.

"The board fully supports the process for an immediate investigation into what occurred in Cape Town. We regard this as a matter of the utmost seriousness and urgency. We will ensure we have all information available to make the right decisions for Australian cricket." The morning after admitting to ball tampering, Smith was noticeably absent as his team warmed up ahead of Sunday's play at Newlands.