Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will be flown home from Australia's tour of South Africa following Cricket Australia's preliminary findings of the investigation into the ball-tampering incident at Newlands on Saturday.
Speaking on Tuesday evening at a press conference in Johannesburg, James Sutherland, Cricket Australia's CEO, said sanctions are expected to follow against the trio in the next 24 hours but insisted coach Darren Lehmann would continue in his role.
Sutherland added that Smith, Warner and Bancroft were the only members of Australia's squad to have prior knowledge of the ball-tampering.
Tim Paine will captain the team in the fourth Test at Johannesburg in Smith's absence, while Matthew Renshaw, Glenn Maxwell and Joe Burns have been called up as replacements.
“In view of the broader reputational and integrity issues involved, the sanctions that will be contemplated are significant," said Sutherland. "The process must therefore be thorough to ensure that all relevant issues have been examined.
"I understand the appetite for urgency given the reputation of Australia as a sporting nation has been damaged in the eyes of many. However, urgency must be balanced with due process given the serious implications for all involved.
“In addition to sanctions for individuals, Cricket Australia will initiate an independent review into the conduct and culture of our Australian men’s teams.
“We will have more to say about this review in the coming days, but it will be conducted by an expert panel who will report to the Cricket Australia Board."
Sutherland also offered his support to the comments made by ICC CEO David Richardson on Sunday that cricket "needs to have a hard look at itself" after recent events.
Cricket Australia Chairman, David Peever, said: “We understand and share the anger of fans and the broader Australian community about the events that unfolded in Cape Town on Saturday.
“This issue goes beyond the technical nature of the offences and various codes of conduct. It is about the integrity and reputation of Australian Cricket and Australian sport.
“Ultimately, it is about whether Australians can feel proud of their national sporting teams. That depends as much on the way the players conduct themselves, as it does about winning or losing. It is about how we play the game."
The fourth Test between South Africa and Australia begins at The Wanderers on Friday. – African News Agency (ANA),
