This was perhaps expected. Australian captain and vice-captain Steve Smith and David Warner have stepped down from captaincy for the remainder of the third Test against South Africa. After admitting to tampering the ball, Smith faced the fury of everyone from own fans to foreign cricketers.

Indeed, even the Prime Minister of Australia was embarrassed with the doings of the captain and the government of the country wanted him to step down after his acceptance to the deed. 

Tim Paine is set to lead the team for the last two days in the light of Smith's and Warner's resignation.

Regarding the issue, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland shed light on the event and revealed that the duo decided to step down after discussions.

"Following discussions with Steve Smith and David Warner they have agreed to stand down as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the remainder of this Test match," he said.

"This Test match needs to proceed, and in the interim we will continue to investigate this matter with the urgency that it demands.

"As I said earlier today, Cricket Australia and Australian cricket fans expect certain standards of conduct from cricketers representing our country, and on this occasion these standards have not been met. All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings, as a matter of priority."

On the decision to appoint Tim Paine as the interim captain, CR chairman David Peever said: "The Board of Cricket Australia has endorsed Tim Paine to step in as Acting Captain for the remainder of this Test," he said.

"Both Steve and David will take to the field today under Tim's captaincy.

"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."