Cricket Australia (CA) have put the three players at the centre of the ball-tampering skandaal on a plane huis toe.
But coach Darren Lehmann remains in charge of the team.
Skipper Steve Smith, his deputy Dave Warner and Cameron Bancroft are expected to receive “significant sanctions” when they get home.
CA CEO James Sutherland said last night that an investigation done by their integrity officer into their attempts to change the condition of the match ball in the third Test against South Africa on Saturday is not yet complete and that the trio will only know their fate “in the next 24 hours”.
FALL GUY Cameron Bancroft. Photo: DAVE HUNT/EPA
He adds that coach Lehmann was not involved in konkeling with his players.
Sutherland says: “This issue goes beyond the technical nature of the conduct, it’s about the integrity and reputation of the Australian cricket.
“That depends as much as how players behave as it is about winning and losing. It’s all about our we play the game.
GOOI: Capt. Steve Smith.Photo: DERYCK FOSTER/BACKPAGEPIX
“The investigation findings found that three players had prior knowledge of the plot and none of the support staff including Darren Lehmann, who will continue as Australia coach, were involved.”
Batsmen Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns and allrounder Glenn Maxwell have been called up to replace the disgraced Aussie trio, while Tim Paine will skipper the side in Friday’s last Test against South Africa. SA lead the series 2-1.