Australia face up to new dawn in SA

UPDATE: Steve Smith and David Warner have stood down from the captaincy for the Newlands Test, with Tim Paine taking over. MORE HERE

The morning after admitting to ball tampering, Australia captain Steve Smith was noticeably absent as his team warmed up ahead of Sunday’s play at Newlands.

Last night, Smith took responsibility for Australia’s decision to attempt to alter the condition of the ball on day three, an act carried out by Test rookie Cameron Bancroft that was exposed by television cameras.

Players past and present from all around the world have shared their views on the incident, with Test legend Adam Gilchrist unsure whether Smith can remain as captain for his involvement in the episode.

Smith was steadfast in declaring he has not considered stepping down as skipper, with Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland confirming in Melbourne today the 28-year-old will remain in the post for the remainder of the Cape Town Test.

Veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine were among the first players to arrive at Newlands on Sunday, along with reserve bowlers Chadd Sayers, Jhye Richardson and Jon Holland.

While Paine had a hit out in the nets behind the Kelvin Grove End, Lyon remained close to the centre wicket, eyeing the pitch he hopes will assist him in taking his 300th Test wicket today.

Coach Darren Lehmann and national selector Trevor Hohns were locked in conversation at the Wynberg End as the remaining squad members slowly filtered out to the field.

The customary team huddle held on the field approximately one hour before play was not witnessed on day four, most likely taken place behind closed doors of the away team’s dressing room.

The Test squad and coaches emerged from the changerooms and began their warm-ups shortly after 9:30am local in brilliant sunshine, but Smith was not among his players.

The truncated warm-up ended just after 10am, while the South Africans continued their preparation as the look to build on their lead of 294 runs with five second-innings wickets in hand.

MORE TO COME

Qantas tour of South Africa

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, AB de Villiers.

Australia squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Warm-up match: Australia beat South Africa A by five wickets. Report, highlights

First Test Australia won by 118 runs. Scorecard

Second Test South Africa won by six wickets. Scorecard

Third Test Newlands, Cape Town, March 22-26. Live coverage

Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3. Live coverage