Steve Smith and David Warner have stepped down from their posts as Australia captain and vice-captain for the remainder of the third Test against South Africa in the wake of the ball-tampering controversy that engulfed the match on Saturday.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland announced the decision ahead of the start of day four on Sunday, with wicket-keeper Tim Paine taking over as captain for the final two days.

“Following discussions with Steve Smith and David Warner they have agreed to stand down as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively for the remainder of this Test match,” Sutherland said in a statement.

“This Test match needs to proceed, and in the interim we will continue to investigate this matter with the urgency that it demands.

“As I said earlier today, Cricket Australia and Australian cricket fans expect certain standards of conduct from cricketers representing our country, and on this occasion these standards have not been met.

“All Australians, like us, want answers and we will keep you updated on our findings, as a matter of priority.”

Cricket Australia chairman David Peever confirmed the decision to appoint Paine as acting captain.

“The Board of Cricket Australia has endorsed Tim Paine to step in as Acting Captain for the remainder of this Test,” Peever said.

“Both Steve and David will take to the field today under Tim’s captaincy.

“The Board fully supports the process for an immediate investigation into what occurred in Cape Town. We regard this as a matter of the utmost seriousness and urgency. We will ensure we have all information available to make the right decisions for Australian Cricket,” Mr Peever concluded.