Cricket Australia has denied Steve Smith will return home from South Africa early, despite his involvement in ball-tampering during the third test at Cape Town.
The 28-year-old Aussie captain has been suspended out of the fourth and final test in Johannesburg, and fined after admitting he was behind the cheating act carried out by batsman Cameron Bancroft.
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Bancroft was spotted using sticky tape to change the ball, trying to improve his bowlers' chances of taking wickets.
Afterwards, Smith admitted he and his leadership group ordered the act, and he and deputy David Warner were subsequently stood down from their captaincy roles for the remainder of the test, which the Proteas won by 322 runs.
On Monday, several Australian media outlets reported that Smith was due to return home from Cape Town, but Cricket Australia has put out a release claiming otherwise.
"Cricket Australia can confirm that all members of the touring test squad currently remain in South Africa," said cricket.com.au, its official website.
"Multiple media reports that suggest players have departed South Africa for home ports are inaccurate.
"At this stage, players will remain in South Africa to assist CA with inquiries. Any outcomes from that process will be communicated in due course."
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine has taken over as captain for the fourth test, which is due to start on Friday (NZ time).
Newshub.
