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Tapegate: Teammates turn on Steve Smith for suggesting they were involved - report

March 27, 2018

Australian Test skipper Steve Smith's teammates Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are reportedly fuming at their former leader after suggesting they were part of the leadership group that decided ball-tamper.

Smith, 28, told reporters on Sunday (NZ time) the leadership group were aware of the plan to get Cameron Bancroft to tamper with the ball to create reverse swing during the third Test in Cape Town against South Africa.

The leadership group is made up of Smith, vice-captain David Warner, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Starc and Hazlewood are angry at Smith for involving them as part of the scandal.

One of the two fast bowlers is reportedly looking to contact the Australian Cricketers Association to get Cricket Australia to clear their name of any involvement.

Smith and Warner were stood down from their leadership roles in their 322-run loss to South Africa in the third Test with Tim Paine taking over as the Australian skipper role.

Smith will not be playing in the fourth Test in Johannesburg of Friday after being suspended and Warner has been ruled out.

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