Australia’s Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith admit to ball-tampering in third Test match against South Africa

Australian batsman Cameron Bancroft has allegedly admitted to attempting to change the condition of the ball using a ‘foreign object’ on the third day of the third Test against South Africa in Newlands, Cape Town.

Bancroft reportedly said after day’s play in Cape Town that he had a discussion during the break and he saw an opportunity to use some tape, get some granules from the rough patches on the wickets and change the condition of the ball, but it didn't work. The umpires didn't change the ball, he said.

Bancroft allegedly admitted that he was seen on the screen and that’s why he put the small yellow object in his trousers.

Captain Steve Smith said that Australia's leadership group knew about the ball-tampering incident.

Smith reportedly said he wasn’t proud of what happened and that it wasn’t within the spirit of the game.

Smith allegedly said that it was the leadership group's idea. He said it was a poor choice and 'deeply regret' the actions.

Steve Smith reportedly said that the coaches weren't involved in the ball-tampering incident. 

He allegedly promised such an incident wouldn't happen again.

Watch: Cameron Bancroft Hides ‘mysterious Yellow Object’ In Underwear, Caught In Possible Ball-tampering Row

Bancroft was caught on TV cameras holding a small mysterious yellow object in his hand around the time he was working on the ball shortly before the tea break.

Slow-motion replays, both on TV and broadcast on the big screen at Newlands, appeared to show Bancroft then putting the small object into his underwear in an apparent attempt to hide it.

English umpires Richard Illingworth and Nigel Llong did walk over and talk to Bancroft at the time, and he produced what appeared to be a black sunglasses bag from his right pocket in way of explanation.

The TV replays seemed to suggest the player put the small yellow object down his trousers.

South African bowler Dale Steyn tweeted a picture of the alleged and said, "Can we talk about this?"

Videos of the ball-tampering incident have been shared on social media too.

WATCH:

Reverse swing has been a major part of this series, and players can increase that by roughing up the ball with foreign objects, which is strictly prohibited in cricket.

Australia, which was falling a long way behind in the game, appeared desperate for wickets to turn it around.

The Bancroft incident was the latest in a string of contentious moments throughout the series.

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