Smith, Warner banned for one year, Bancroft for nine months

Australia's Steve Smith and David Warner are set to be handed 12-month bans each after the ball-tampering scandal, according to media reports. Opener Cameron Bancroft is set to be banned for nine months.

The three players will have the right to challenge their verdicts and also the duration of their penalties. The duo have also been banned from captaining the side for two years.

READ: Tainted Smith, Warner banned from IPL

The captain and vice-captain were asked to leave South Africa for Australia immediately following the third Test after Bancroft was seen using sticky tape in an attempt to change the condition of the ball.

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Opener Bancroft and Smith admitted in a press conference after the third day's play that the 'leadership group' hatched a plan to cheat.

Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland announced on Tuesday that no-one else apart from the trio, including coach Darren Lehmann, had prior knowledge of the ploy.

Cricket Australia chief confirms Smith and Warner bans

Both Smith and Warner have resigned their IPL captaincy roles with the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively.

READ: Warne: 'Punishment not befitting the crime'

Skipper Smith is expected to speak to the media upon his arrival in Sydney.

The most severe bans ever handed out by Cricket Australia leaves the careers of Warner and Smith in tatters.

READ: Lehmann 'in no way involved' in ball tampering, reiterates CA chief Sutherland

The ban also means Australia will be without its two best-recognised batsmen for the highly anticipated Test series against India on home soil, beginning in November.